Telegram under scrutiny: controversies in South Korea, France, and beyond

Telegram Under Scrutiny in South Korea and France

The Telegram platform, known for its encrypted communications, has come under scrutiny in South Korea and France due to allegations of supporting sexual crimes. Both countries are conducting investigations into the application, suspecting its involvement in the distribution of illegal content.

Controversies in South Korea

An investigation has been launched in South Korea against Telegram regarding the generation of fake sexual content materials through bots and the distribution of these materials on specially created channels. The head of the National Police Agency confirmed that the platform is not cooperating adequately, hindering the collection of necessary data for the investigation, including information about accounts.

International Cooperation

South Korean officials have expressed willingness to cooperate with their French counterparts on similar issues related to Telegram. In France, the founder of the application, Pavel Durov, has been arrested on charges of involvement in organized sexual crimes against children and other offenses.

Blockage in Indonesia and Financial Controversies

Telegram has been blocked in Indonesia due to its involvement in disseminating illegal content, such as suspected promotion of online gambling and distribution of pornography. Despite controversies, the company has reported significant revenues, but operational losses indicate operational challenges.

Telegram and Cryptocurrencies

Telegram is engaging in initiatives related to cryptocurrencies, creating cryptocurrency wallets, decentralized exchanges, and tools for trading and storing cryptocurrencies. Despite the founder’s arrest, the company continues to develop in the cryptocurrency sector, which may impact its future and market image.

Events Related to Telegram

Telegram sold Toncoin worth over $244 million in 2024, and the previous year the company held around $400 million in cryptocurrencies. Despite some financial successes, the main source of concern remains content moderation issues, making the platform vulnerable to continued exploitation by criminals.