Can Telegram shake off its ‘dark web’ baggage as it heads toward IPO?

Criminology and cybersecurity experts are closely monitoring Telegram, a platform hosting tens of thousands of groups and channels. They argue that it has evolved into a contemporary “dark web” where criminals and hackers engage in illegal activities without facing consequences.

Cybersecurity experts label Telegram as a “social media platform for organized criminals,” highlighting its role in facilitating various forms of fraud targeting US government systems, which have gained significant traction within specific hacker communities.

Telegram’s growth from a messaging app in 2013 to an indispensable news source and organizing tool during geopolitical and humanitarian crises, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, underscores its broader impact.

Pavel Durov, Telegram’s CEO, positions the platform as a champion of privacy and free expression, particularly in repressive regimes. With its user base reaching 900 million, Telegram boasts Asia as its largest market, experiencing significant growth since 2021.

With features akin to Twitter’s broadcast capabilities and a laissez-faire approach to content moderation, Telegram has become a powerful tool for global leaders and authoritarian regimes. From Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to official Russian ministries and even militant groups like Hamas, Telegram serves as a communication channel for diverse actors.

While some view Telegram as a haven for free speech and dissent, others express concerns about its role in facilitating criminal activity and misinformation. As Telegram’s influence expands, questions surrounding its regulation and responsibility will likely intensify.

Despite its role as a platform for free speech, concerns persist about Telegram’s involvement in criminal activity and misinformation.

Furthermore, Telegram serves as a haven for those seeking to evade tighter restrictions on rival platforms like Meta’s Facebook and Google’s YouTube, attracting disinformation pushers, conspiracy theorists, and extremists. Experts caution that it has increasingly become a tool for propaganda wielded by governments despite being relied upon by citizens for information.

Based in Dubai, Telegram has primarily avoided the regulatory scrutiny and law enforcement pressures that have plagued similar platforms in Silicon Valley. Pavel Durov, its CEO, describes Dubai as a “neutral” ground where the government does not interfere with its operations.

However, as Telegram grows in scale and explores avenues for monetization, including through advertising, it faces mounting pressure to address concerns about its role in facilitating criminal activities and maintaining integrity. Jeff Allen, co-founder and chief research officer for the Integrity Institute, warns investors to be wary of these issues.

With global regulators eyeing the platform, there is a growing expectation that Telegram meet basic standards of trust, safety, and integrity, which it currently needs to do.

Durov and his brother Nikolai initially developed Telegram as a private communication tool in response to mass surveillance revelations. Despite their efforts to provide secure messaging, Durov’s conflicts with Russian authorities led to his departure from St Petersburg in 2014.

In 2018, Telegram’s refusal to grant Moscow access to user data resulted in a ban, which was later circumvented. Despite this, Telegram’s reputation as a platform for free speech grew, with Durov hailed as a champion of freedom.

As Telegram approaches a potential market debut, concerns about Kremlin influence linger, particularly following Russia’s unbanning of the platform in 2020.

While Durov emphasizes Telegram’s neutrality, questions about its ties to Russia persist. Despite assertions that Telegram does not share private chat data with governments, critics raise concerns about the platform’s moderation policies.

Attracting Western investors may require addressing concerns about potential Kremlin influence over Telegram. Critics highlight that Russian government entities swiftly adopted the platform following Russia’s sudden unbanning of Telegram in 2020.

Telegram’s role in facilitating various illegal activities globally, including fraud, arms sales, and discussions among professed pedophiles. Despite Durov’s claims of active moderation, concerns persist about Telegram’s viability for advertisers due to its association with toxic content, potentially hampering revenue opportunities.

As Telegram becomes a platform for wartime communications, concerns arise regarding its susceptibility to propaganda and misinformation. While Durov asserts active moderation, critics warn of Telegram’s potential for manipulation and coercion, underscoring the complexities of balancing free speech with platform integrity.