Analysis of more than 28,000 channels revealed that the platform helps to promote radical ideologies. For example, when searching for Donald Trump, in the recently created account, the recommendations of channels related to the theory of the Qanon conspiracy immediately appeared. This theory claims that Trump is a secret struggle against the “Satanists” from among the world elite. Another example: the search for “riots in the UK” showed in the first place a meme with the image of Adolf Hitler and links to the channels of extremist groups.
SPLC researchers concluded that users interested in one type of radical content can be redirected to other forms of extremism, including anti -Semitism and far -right ideology. The report emphasizes that extremist groups are actively using Telegram not only for the spread of memes and disinformation, but also to organize real actions involving people.
It is noted that after Tragedy in the sautport, which caused riots, it was the first that appeared in Telegram Calls for protests, accompanied by false claims about the status of the alleged attacker.
Telegram insists that users get access only to the content to which they have subscribed. According to representatives of the company, the function of the recommendations of channels shows exclusively those resources that correspond to the interests of the user, and differs from the algorithms of other platforms. The company said that daily deleys millions of units of harmful content using moderation commands and II tools.
At the same time, the founder of Telegram Pavel Durov is under investigation of France on charges of promoting drug trade, organized crime and the spread of CSAM materials. Durov himself rejects all charges. The French authorities forbade him to leave the country until the end of the trial.
The former Telegram officer said that back in 2021 he tried to convince Durov to pay more attention to the problem of extremist content. However, Durov’s response position was that the platform should not decide who has the right to freedom of speech.
SPLC researchers emphasize that Telegram, despite their measures, remains a significant threat in the digital world. According to experts, the platform algorithms contribute to the spread of dangerous content and may have serious consequences for society.