Will Telegram Be Banned in EU Countries?
Will Telegram Be Banned in EU Countries?
Telegram has become one of the most popular instant messaging apps in recent years, as the cloud-based platform provides its users with privacy and security.
The app offers self-destructing messages, end-to-end encryption, and secret chats, so it has become a go-to choice for people with privacy and cybersecurity concerns. Also, you don’t need a phone number to use it.
Due to its high level of privacy, security, and anonymity, it has reportedly helped support various criminal activities, including stock price manipulation, extortion, exam paper leaks, and more.
As a result, many countries, including Russia, China, and Iran, have banned Telegram use.
The European Union (EU) has recently launched an investigation into Telegram to determine if it accurately estimated its monthly active users across its member states.
With pressure mounting on the instant messaging app, Telegram may soon be banned in EU countries.
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The Banning of Telegram in 31 Countries
Telegram is currently banned in 31 countries, and this number could soon grow due to the increased scrutiny placed on the platform and its founder.
For instance, China didn’t hesitate to block Telegram in 2015, as local media claimed the instant messaging app caused a DDoS attack on its server.
Also, Iran banned the platform in 2018 following protests across the country, which the government believes Telegram facilitated.
As half of Iran’s population reportedly used Telegram, it prevented ironclad communications across the country. However, it is believed many people use a virtual private network (VPN) to access the app.
The Founder’s Recent Arrest
Despite 31 countries banning Telegram gradually since 2015, the messaging app was called further into question when its founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, was arrested in France in late August 2024.
Following his arrest, many people are questioning Telegram’s future in EU countries; however, France and the European Union have confirmed they did not directly participate in Durov’s arrest.
Potential EU User Misrepresentation
The EU is reportedly concerned that Telegram could have misrepresented the app’s total number of users across its 27 member states.
If it provides inaccurate information, it is breaching the Digital Services Act (DSA), which is designed to provide internet users with safe, transparent, large online platforms.
The DSA states a platform must have over 45 million monthly EU users to be deemed a very large online platform, which results in stricter rules related to data protection, content moderation, and advertising.
As Telegram reported 41 million EU users, it is under the threshold of being classified as a very large online platform.
When the EU requested an update on the numbers, the app reported the figure remained under 45 million and failed to provide a specific number, causing suspicion among EU officials.
The Telegram Investigation
Concerned Telegram has provided inaccurate information, the EU recently launched an investigation to determine if the app has more or less than 45 million users across the EU.
If Telegram attempted to deceive the EU, it could face many serious consequences, such as a fine totaling up to 6% of its global annual revenue.
The increased scrutiny and security concerns could result in more countries across the EU banning Telegram or forcing it to introduce tighter regulations.
For instance, Telegram will have no choice but to comply with the EU’s new regulations, which may include safeguarding user data, removing all illegal content, and providing full transparency on the app’s advertising practices.
If Telegram is found guilty by the EU of misrepresenting its user numbers, the instant messaging app will have a challenging road ahead.
Also, it will likely serve as an example of how the Digital Services Act will hold tech companies accountable for their actions, which could improve transparency and user safety moving forward.