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Is it possible for Telegram to shed its 'dark web' reputation as it gears up for its IPO?
Telegram is contemplating an IPO while nearing 1 billion users and is on the verge of becoming profitable. Regardless of its desire to be viewed as a proponent of free expression, it's undeniable that it serves as a hub for illegal activities, a social media outlet for structured crime.
Experts in criminology and cybersecurity are keeping a close watch on Telegram, a platform that hosts a multitude of groups and channels. They contend that it has transformed into a modern version of the "dark web", a place where criminals and hackers participate in unlawful activities without any repercussions.
Cybersecurity professionals have branded Telegram as a "hub for coordinated criminal activities," emphasizing its part in enabling different types of scams aimed at US government infrastructure. These activities have notably increased popularity among specific hacker groups.
Since its inception as a messaging app in 2013, Telegram has evolved to become a crucial resource for news and coordination during major geopolitical and humanitarian events, including the war between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Hamas. This highlights its wider influence.
Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, promotes the platform as an advocate for privacy and freedom of speech, especially in oppressive governments. Telegram, with its audience expanding to 900 million, prides itself on Asia being its biggest market and has seen substantial growth since 2021.
Telegram, with its broadcasting features similar to Twitter and a relaxed method of content regulation, has turned into an influential platform for both global leaders and autocratic governments. It's used by a wide range of users, from Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Russian government departments, and even extremist organizations such as Hamas, as a means of communication.
Some people see Telegram as a sanctuary for freedom of expression and disagreement, while others are worried about its use in promoting illegal activities and spreading false information. As Telegram's impact continues to grow, the issues of its control and accountability are expected to become more pressing.
Even though Telegram serves as a medium for unrestricted expression, worries still linger about its association with illegal activities and false information.
Moreover, Telegram acts as a sanctuary for individuals looking to avoid stricter regulations on competing platforms such as Meta's Facebook and Google's YouTube. This leads to an influx of disinformation spreaders, conspiracy enthusiasts, and radicals. Despite its use by general public for obtaining information, specialists warn that it is progressively being utilized by governmental bodies for propaganda purposes.
Headquartered in Dubai, Telegram has mostly evaded the regulatory inspections and legal pressures that have troubled comparable platforms in Silicon Valley. Pavel Durov, the company's CEO, characterizes Dubai as a "neutral" territory where the government does not meddle with their business activities.
As Telegram expands and looks into ways of generating revenue, such as through ads, it is increasingly pressed to tackle issues related to its part in enabling illegal activities and upholding honesty. Jeff Allen, the co-founder and main research officer at the Integrity Institute, cautions investors to be mindful of these potential problems.
As international regulators scrutinize the platform, there is an increasing demand for Telegram to fulfill fundamental requirements of trust, security, and honesty, which it presently lacks.
Durov along with his sibling Nikolai, originally created Telegram as a confidential method of communication in reaction to the discovery of widespread surveillance. However, despite their attempts to offer safe messaging, Durov's disagreements with the Russian government resulted in his exit from St Petersburg in 2014.
In 2018, Telegram declined Moscow's request to access user information, which led to its prohibition. This ban was eventually bypassed. Regardless, Telegram's image as a medium for uncensored speech strengthened, and Durov was celebrated as a freedom advocate.
As Telegram nears a possible entry into the market, worries about Kremlin's control persist, especially after Russia lifted the ban on the platform in 2020.
Even though Durov insists on Telegram's impartiality, doubts regarding its connections to Russia continue to linger. Regardless of claims that Telegram doesn't divulge personal conversation details to authorities, skeptics voice worries about the platform's regulation strategies.
Drawing in Western investors might necessitate tackling worries about possible interference from the Kremlin in Telegram. Critics emphasize that after Russia abruptly lifted the ban on Telegram in 2020, Russian government bodies quickly embraced the platform.
Telegram has been implicated in aiding a range of unlawful actions worldwide, such as deception, weapons trafficking, and conversations amongst self-proclaimed pedophiles. Even with Durov's assertions of rigorous moderation, questions continue to surround Telegram's suitability for advertising owing to its links to harmful content, which could potentially hinder income prospects.
As Telegram evolves into a medium for communication during conflict situations, worries emerge about its vulnerability to propaganda and false information. Even though Durov insists on active moderation, skeptics caution against Telegram's potential for exploitation and control, highlighting the challenges in maintaining both freedom of speech and platform credibility.
(Incorporating information from various sources)
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