Britain's communications regulator Ofcom has launched a formal investigation into Telegram, citing concerns that the messaging platform has failed to adequately address the presence of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on its service, according to a report by the BBC.
The investigation marks a significant escalation in regulatory scrutiny of Telegram in the United Kingdom, where the Online Safety Act grants Ofcom expanded powers to hold platforms accountable for illegal content hosted or distributed through their services.
Telegram pushed back firmly against the regulator's move. In a statement provided to the BBC, the company said it "categorically denies Ofcom's accusations," though it did not provide specific details addressing the regulator's stated concerns.
Growing pressure on messaging platforms
The investigation adds to a mounting wave of legal and regulatory pressure facing Telegram across multiple jurisdictions. Telegram's founder and chief executive Pavel Durov was arrested in France in August 2024 and placed under formal investigation by French authorities over allegations that the platform had failed to moderate criminal activity, including content involving the sexual exploitation of minors. Durov has denied wrongdoing.
Ofcom's action against Telegram reflects the broader intent of the UK's Online Safety Act, which came into force in 2023 and places legally binding duties on technology companies to identify and remove illegal content - particularly material that sexually exploits children. Platforms that fail to comply face potential fines of up to 10 percent of their global annual revenue, or in serious cases, possible service blocks within the UK.
Telegram's scale and moderation challenges
Telegram has more than 900 million registered users globally, making it one of the world's most widely used messaging and social media platforms. The service combines private encrypted messaging with large public channels and group chats capable of hosting hundreds of thousands of members, a structure that critics argue makes comprehensive content moderation particularly difficult.
The platform has previously stated that it employs automated tools and human moderators to detect and remove illegal material, and that it cooperates with law enforcement requests where legally required.
Ofcom has not publicly specified a timeline for concluding its investigation or indicated what enforcement action it may pursue if violations are confirmed. The regulator has stated that it will not comment further on the details of the investigation while it remains ongoing.
The BBC, which first reported the investigation, said Telegram had been contacted for comment and responded with its denial of the regulator's accusations.
