Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Innovation.
Report Highlights Concerns Over Extremist Recommendations
A new study from the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has revealed that Telegram’s recommendation algorithm is pushing extremist content to users, even when they search for ordinary topics like celebrities or technology. The platform, which combines messaging capabilities with public broadcasting channels, has faced growing scrutiny for hosting harmful content, including violent ideologies and illegal activity.
Key Findings of the Report
The SPLC analyzed 28,000 Telegram channels and found that the platform's "similar channels" feature often recommends extremist groups. For example:
A search for “Donald Trump” led to QAnon conspiracy channels.
Searches for “UK riots” surfaced memes referencing Adolf Hitler and content from far-right groups.
The study further highlighted that extremist content on Telegram often encourages real-world action, such as events and protests coordinated through the app.
Megan Squire, the SPLC's lead researcher, warned that Telegram had become a “digital threat”, saying:
“On a scale of one to 10, Telegram is an 11. It’s promoting enormous amounts of criminal and extremist content.”
Criminal Activity and Moderation Failures
The study also pointed to rampant illegal activity on Telegram. Professor David Maimon from Georgia State University demonstrated how criminals use the platform to sell weapons, tools for scams, and other illicit goods. In one instance, a seller offered to “fast-track” delivery of an Uzi submachine gun to Belfast within days after receiving a message.
This lack of moderation stems from Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, taking a hands-off approach. Former Telegram insider Elies Campo revealed that Durov had resisted dedicating resources to address harmful content:
“His stance was that it’s not up to a platform like Telegram to decide who gets to speak.”
Legal Challenges and Investigations
Pavel Durov is under formal investigation in France for allegedly failing to prevent criminal activities on Telegram, including drug dealing, organized crime, and the sharing of child abuse images. Durov denies the allegations but remains on bail.
Telegram’s Defense
In response to the study’s findings, Telegram has emphasized its efforts to remove harmful content, claiming:
Its moderation teams and AI tools remove millions of pieces of illegal content daily.
Users only see content they actively engage with, and the "channel suggestions" feature shows recommendations based on topics a user already follows.
The company insisted
“Telegram does not amplify content but instead shows topic-based suggestions tied to user choices. This is different from how other platforms operate.”
Growing Concerns
While Telegram remains popular for its private messaging and broadcasting features, its algorithm’s apparent role in promoting extremist content raises serious questions about accountability and safety. Researchers argue that Telegram’s refusal to moderate its platform effectively has enabled it to become a hub for harmful ideologies and criminal activity.
The findings have intensified calls for stricter oversight and regulation of online platforms to curb the spread of dangerous content and ensure user safety.
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