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As Telegram moves toward its initial public offering (IPO), can it shed its reputation for being a 'dark web' hub?
As Telegram inches closer to having 1 billion users and becoming profitable, it's preparing for an IPO. But despite its attempts to portray itself as a defender of free speech, it's impossible to ignore the fact that it's a hotspot for illegal activities, serving as a social media site for systematic criminals.
Experts in criminology and cybersecurity are keenly observing Telegram, a platform that accommodates numerous groups and channels. They contend that it has morphed into a modern "dark web," a space where lawbreakers and hackers partake in illicit actions without any repercussions.
Cybersecurity professionals categorize Telegram as a "digital gathering space for structured crime groups," emphasizing its part in enabling different types of scams aimed at US government systems. These scams have become increasingly popular in specific hacker circles.
The transformation of Telegram from a simple messaging application in 2013 to a vital news platform and coordination utility during political and humanitarian emergencies like the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Hamas clash, highlights its wider influence.
The Chief Executive Officer of Telegram, Pavel Durov, portrays the platform as a defender of privacy and freedom of speech, especially under oppressive governments. Telegram, with its users now numbering 900 million, identifies Asia as its biggest market and has seen substantial expansion since 2021.
Telegram, with its functionality similar to Twitter's broadcasting features and relaxed stance on content control, has evolved into a significant means of communication for world leaders and autocratic governments. It is being utilized by a wide range of users, from Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to official Russian departments and even extremist organizations such as Hamas.
Some people perceive Telegram as a platform that promotes free expression and disagreement, while others worry about its involvement in aiding illegal activities and spreading false information. As Telegram's impact grows, the discussions about its control and accountability are expected to heighten.
Even though Telegram serves as a medium for unrestricted communication, there are ongoing worries regarding its connection to illicit activities and the spread of false information.
Moreover, Telegram acts as a sanctuary for individuals looking to steer clear of stricter regulations on competing platforms such as Meta's Facebook and Google's YouTube. This draws in those who spread false information, conspiracy enthusiasts, and radicals. Specialists warn that it has progressively transformed into an instrument for government propaganda, even though it is utilized by the public for gathering news.
Telegram, headquartered in Dubai, has largely managed to stay away from the regulatory examination and legal pressures that have troubled comparable platforms in Silicon Valley. The company's CEO, Pavel Durov, characterizes Dubai as a "neutral" location where the government does not meddle in their activities.
As Telegram expands and looks into income generating methods, such as advertising, it is increasingly being urged to deal with issues related to its potential role in enabling illegal actions and upholding honesty. Jeff Allen, a co-founder and the main research leader at the Integrity Institute, cautions that investors should be mindful of these problems.
As international regulatory bodies scrutinize Telegram, there's an increasing anticipation for it to uphold essential criteria of reliability, security, and honesty, an area where it currently lags behind.
Durov, along with his sibling Nikolai, first created Telegram as a confidential means of communication following the exposure of widespread surveillance. Although they strove to deliver secure 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, leading to a prohibition that was eventually bypassed. Nevertheless, Telegram's image as a haven for unrestricted communication enhanced, with Durov being lauded as a defender of liberty.
As Telegram nears a possible entry into the stock market, worries about potential control from the Kremlin persist, especially in the wake of Russia's decision to lift its ban on the platform in 2020.
Despite Durov highlighting Telegram's impartiality, doubts regarding its connection with Russia continue. Regardless of claims that Telegram doesn't disclose private conversation details to authorities, skeptics question the platform's regulation strategies.
Luring investors from the West might necessitate tackling worries regarding the possible sway of the Kremlin over Telegram. Detractors emphasize that after Russia abruptly lifted the ban on Telegram in 2020, Russian governmental bodies quickly embraced the platform.
Telegram has been implicated in enabling a range of unlawful actions worldwide, such as scamming, illegal weapons trade, and conversations between self-confessed paedophiles. Even though Durov insists on proactive moderation, doubts continue to linger about Telegram's suitability for advertisers due to its ties with harmful content, which could possibly hinder its potential to generate earnings.
As Telegram grows into a channel for communication during war, worries surface about its vulnerability to propaganda and false information. While Durov insists on proactive regulation, skeptics caution about Telegram's possible abuse for manipulation and compulsion, highlighting the intricacies of maintaining freedom of speech without compromising platform reliability.
(Incorporating information from various sources)
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