UK watchdog to investigate Telegram over alleged child sexual abuse material

Inquiry launched after Ofcom received evidence that suggested illegal content was being shared on messaging platform Ofcom has launched an investigation into whether the Telegram messaging platform is failing to prevent the sharing of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) under the UK’s Online Safety Act. The communications regulator carried out an assessment and decided to launch an investigation after receiving evidence from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection that suggested child sexual abuse material was allegedly present and being shared on Telegram. The investigation will examine whether Telegram is failing to restrict child sexual abuse material from its site and whether it has breached the UK Online Safety Act. Suzanne Cater, the director of enforcement at Ofcom, said: “Child sexual exploitation and abuse causes devastating harm to victims, and making sure sites and apps tackle this is one of our highest priorities. It’s why we work so closely with partners in law enforcement and child protection organisations to identify where these harms are occurring and hold providers to account where they’re failing to meet their obligations.” The Guardian identified 150 Telegram cha