The European Commission expressed concern about Telegram’s lack of proper control over the spread of Russian narratives and disinformation in European countries.
According to information German publication Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Brussels is considering tightening regulation of the messenger to force it to monitor content more closely.
Concerns of the European Commission
- European Commissioner for Transparency Vira Joruva notes that Russian authorities can use Telegram to spread disinformation among the Russian-speaking population of EU countries, especially in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland and Bulgaria.
- Use of Telegram by special services of the Russian Federation: There are fears that the messenger is used by the GRU and the FSB to recruit agents and coordinate subversive activities in European countries.
The European Commission is considering opening an investigation into Telegram’s activities. If violations are confirmed, the messenger could face increased regulation and fines.
Context
The European Commission recently entrusted the Belgian Institute of Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT) with overseeing Telegram’s activities in the EU. BIPT must monitor the messenger’s response to the distribution of illegal content and may impose fines in case of inaction.
Experts have previously expressed concern about Telegram’s low level of privacy. Ukraine even considered the possibility of developing a special service to reduce risks. The Verkhovna Rada also registered a draft law proposing to regulate the work of Telegram as a media entity.
