Efforts to combat the spread of illegal content on the messaging platform Telegram are intensifying in Europe. The Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications

(BIPT) is set to spearhead monitoring efforts across the continent, as reported by De Standaard.

Since its inception in 2013 by two Russian brothers, Telegram has amassed over 700 million active users globally, with approximately 40 million in Europe alone.

However, the platform has drawn criticism for its lax content moderation, which has made it a hub for various illicit activities, including far-right extremism, drug trafficking, and terrorist propaganda. The absence of stringent content controls has allowed conspiracy theories to proliferate unchecked.

In response to these concerns, BIPT will assume the role of Telegram's European regulator. Under this arrangement, individuals or organizations across Europe can report illegal content on the app. If Telegram fails to take action on reported content inciting violence, complainants can escalate the issue to BIPT, which reserves the authority to impose penalties on the platform.

While BIPT awaits official designation as a competent authority, which is expected to occur imminently, the institute stands ready to play a pivotal role in monitoring and regulating Telegram's operations across Europe. Photo by Ulises Hernandez Pino/Corporación ApropiACYT, Wikimedia commons.