G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
Telegram, one of the world’s largest messaging platforms, is under scrutiny for allegedly promoting extremist content through its algorithm. A new study conducted by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), shared exclusively with the BBC, highlights the risks posed by Telegram's "similar channels" feature, which appears to push users toward extremist ideologies. The findings have reignited debates about Telegram's role in amplifying harmful content and its broader responsibility in moderating its platform.
The SPLC report, titled Telegram's Toxic Recommendations, analyzed 28,000 public channels on the platform. It found that even users searching for innocuous topics like celebrities or technology could receive recommendations for extremist content. More troublingly, users already engaging with content related to anti-government conspiracies or fringe ideologies were funneled toward channels promoting antisemitism, white nationalism, and other forms of extremism. This discovery raises concerns about how Telegram’s algorithmic tools inadvertently expose users to radicalization pathways.
BBC Panorama showcased these findings firsthand. Lead researcher Megan Squire demonstrated how typing "Donald Trump" into a new Telegram account immediately recommended channels promoting the QAnon conspiracy theory. Similarly, searching for “UK riots” brought up content glorifying Adolf Hitler and channels run by violent far-right groups. According to Squire, Telegram has evolved into a “digital threat,” with extremists not only sharing content but also coordinating real-world events that mobilize individuals on the ground.
The platform’s secretive features and massive scale—almost one billion users worldwide—compound the problem. Unlike other social media platforms, Telegram allows users to create groups and broadcast messages to audiences of up to 200,000 people at a time. This makes it a powerful tool for spreading information but also enables harmful content to proliferate with little oversight. Researchers argue that the platform’s algorithms, which suggest “similar channels,” play a key role in amplifying extremism by guiding users toward increasingly radical material.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov has faced mounting legal and public pressure regarding his hands-off approach to content moderation. French authorities have placed Durov under formal investigation, accusing him of failing to curb criminal activity on Telegram, including drug trafficking, child sexual abuse imagery, and organized fraud. Durov denies these allegations and remains on bail in France. Elies Campo, a former insider at Telegram, told Panorama that Durov’s philosophy emphasizes free speech over content moderation, suggesting a deliberate reluctance to allocate resources toward addressing extremist or illegal material.
Experts believe Telegram’s leniency has made it a preferred platform for criminals. Prof. David Maimon, a researcher from Georgia State University, demonstrated how easy it is to procure illegal goods. Within minutes of posting a request for firearms, Maimon received an offer for an Uzi submachine gun, with promises of shipping it to the UK in a matter of days. Such incidents underscore the platform’s role as a hub for illegal activities, far beyond extremist rhetoric.
Telegram has defended itself, stating that its moderation teams, combined with AI tools, remove millions of pieces of harmful content daily. The company insists its users only receive content they actively engage with, emphasizing that its "channel suggestions" feature aligns with topics users already follow. Unlike other platforms, Telegram claims it does not amplify or inject content into user feeds, positioning itself as a neutral service provider.
Despite these claims, critics argue that Telegram’s algorithm and laissez-faire approach have fostered an environment where extremist content thrives. The SPLC study raises critical questions about the balance between free speech and platform responsibility. As governments increase pressure on tech companies to tackle harmful content, Telegram’s response—and its ability to curb extremism—will remain under intense scrutiny in the months ahead.
