UK Regulator Ofcom Opens Probe into Telegram Over Child Safety Concerns

The UK is stepping up its push to regulate social media platforms, and this time, Telegram has come under scrutiny. The country’s communications regulator has officially launched an investigation into the platform over concerns related to harmful content involving minors.

Ofcom opens investigation into Telegram over child safety concerns

According to the announcement, Ofcom is investigating whether Telegram is complying with its duties under the Online Safety Act 2023. The move comes after evidence suggested that illegal content related to child abuse may have been circulating on the platform.

It’s worth noting that this is part of a broader push in the UK to hold tech platforms more accountable. The government has been actively working to strengthen protections for children online, with ongoing discussions even pointing toward a possible social media ban for users under 16.

That being said, Ofcom claims it remained unsatisfied even after engaging with Telegram directly. The regulator says it reviewed findings, including inputs from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, before deciding to move forward with a formal probe.

Telegram, however, is pushing back against the claims. As reported by Reuters, the company has “categorically” denied the allegations, stating that it has significantly reduced the spread of such content since 2018 using detection systems. It also raised concerns that the investigation may be part of a broader push against platforms that emphasize privacy and free speech.