### Telegram under EU Examination: An In-Depth Analysis of the Ongoing Probe
Telegram, the well-known messaging platform renowned for its encrypted communication features, is presently undergoing scrutiny by the European Union (EU) for potential violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The investigation focuses on whether Telegram has accurately reported its user figures within the EU, a vital aspect that influences the level of regulatory scrutiny the platform must meet.
#### The Heart of the Inquiry
The EU’s apprehensions arise from doubts that Telegram might have downplayed its user count in the area to avoid surpassing the 45 million user benchmark. Platforms that exceed this threshold are categorized as “very large online platforms” (VLOPs) under the DSA, which subjects them to stricter regulations. These regulations encompass improved content moderation, independent audits, and necessary data sharing with the European Commission.
As of February 2024, Telegram claimed to have 41 million users in the EU. However, it did not furnish an updated count as mandated by the DSA, instead indicating that it had “significantly fewer than 45 million average monthly active users in the EU.” This lack of clarity has led the EU to commence a technical investigation to ascertain the true number of Telegram users in the area.
#### Consequences of Being Designated a VLOP
Should Telegram be found to exceed 45 million users in the EU, it would be categorized as a VLOP, resulting in a range of additional responsibilities. These responsibilities include:
– **Content Moderation:** Telegram would be required to establish more effective systems for monitoring and removing illicit content, including misinformation and propaganda.
– **Data Sharing:** The platform would need to share more information with the European Commission, ensuring adherence to EU regulations.
– **Independent Audits:** Routine assessments by external organizations would become obligatory to confirm that Telegram complies with the DSA’s stipulations.
– **Advertising Restrictions:** The platform would be barred from targeting advertisements based on sensitive user information such as religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
These measures form part of the EU’s wider initiative to limit the dominance of large online platforms and ensure they function in a way that safeguards user rights and public safety.
#### Telegram’s Global Popularity and Challenges
In recent years, Telegram has experienced a significant rise in popularity, boasting a global user base approaching 1 billion. The app is especially favored for its encrypted messaging capabilities, offering enhanced privacy compared to other services. Nevertheless, this same aspect has rendered Telegram a hotspot for illegal activities, prompting investigations in various countries, including France.
Concurrently, French authorities are investigating Telegram for supposed criminal activities facilitated through the platform. This situation has resulted in the arrest of its founder, Pavel Durov, a billionaire originally from Russia who has since obtained French-Emirati citizenship. Durov, who left Russia in 2014 after refusing to comply with Moscow’s demands for access to Ukrainian user data, has denied any illicit behavior, asserting that he has “nothing to hide.”
#### The EU’s Future Actions
The EU’s Joint Research Centre, its internal data and science body, is currently conducting a technical probe to ascertain the validity of Telegram’s user statistics. Thomas Regnier, a spokesperson for digital affairs at the European Commission, stated that the EU possesses its own systems and analyses to confirm user data. If Telegram is found to have provided misleading information, the EU could independently classify it as a VLOP based on its findings.
The DSA regulations for VLOPs came into effect a year ago, affecting some of the world’s most significant online platforms, including Instagram, Google, and TikTok. These enterprises have needed to significantly enhance their compliance initiatives, employing thousands to meet the DSA’s rigorous demands. Some platforms have even pursued legal action against the EU, contending that the regulations are excessively demanding.
#### Final Thoughts
The ongoing inquiry into Telegram’s adherence to the DSA marks an important milestone in the EU’s strategy to regulate large online platforms. If it is determined that Telegram has more than 45 million users in the EU, it will encounter a range of new responsibilities aimed at promoting greater transparency, accountability, and user protection. As the investigation progresses, it will be essential to observe how Telegram reacts and whether it can fulfill the EU’s rigorous regulatory standards.
This situation also underscores the broader challenges facing global tech firms as they navigate increasingly intricate regulatory environments. With the EU at the forefront of digital regulation, other regions may follow suit soon, making compliance a paramount concern for platforms such as Telegram operating on a worldwide scale.
