Ofcom investigating Telegram over child sexual abuse material concerns

Ofcom investigating Telegram over child sexual abuse material concerns14 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleLiv McMahonTechnology reporterGetty ImagesMessaging app Telegram has denied accusations made by OfcomThe UK media regulator has launched an investigation into Telegram over concerns it may be failing to prevent child sexual abuse material (CSAM) being shared.Ofcom said on Tuesday it was probing the popular messaging service after gathering evidence suggesting CSAM was present and being shared on the platform.Under the current law, user-to-user services operating in the UK must have systems in place to prevent people from encountering CSAM and other illegal content, as well as mechanisms to tackle it - or risk huge fines for breaches.Telegram said in a statement that it "categorically denies Ofcom's accusations"."Since 2018, Telegram has virtually eliminated the public spread of CSAM on its platform through world-class detection algorithms and cooperation with [non-governmental organisations]," it told the BBC.The company added: "We are surprised by this investigation and concerned that it may be part of a broader attack on online platforms that defend freedom of speech and the right to privacy."It is part of a wider crackdown from Ofcom on services it suspects could be flouting the UK's sweeping online safety requirements - including toughened-up rules for tech firms to tackle CSAM, which it is illegal to possess or share in the UK."Child sexual exploitation and abuse causes devastating harm to victims, and making sure sites and apps tackle this is one of our highest priorities," said Suzanne Cater, director of enforcement at Ofcom.She added while there had been progress with tackling CSAM on smaller services, including file-hosting and sharing platforms, the issue "extends to big platforms too".Children's charity the NSPCC welcomed Ofcom's Telegram probe."Recent NSPCC resear...