Telegram has reported the removal of 15.4 million groups and channels related to harmful content in 2024, marking a significant step in its efforts to clean up the platform. This action follows the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France, where he faces charges over allegedly harmful content shared on the app.
After announcing a major crackdown in September, Telegram noted that its success in tackling harmful content, including fraud and terrorism, was made possible by “cutting-edge AI moderation tools.” These advanced technologies have played a critical role in identifying and removing problematic content at scale.
The company has also launched a new moderation page to provide transparency about its efforts to combat harmful activity. According to a post on Durov’s Telegram channel, the page highlights a notable increase in enforcement since Durov’s arrest in August, underscoring the app’s commitment to improving user safety.
Durov’s legal case in France is ongoing, but he is currently out on €5 million bail. Despite the controversy, Telegram’s actions signal a clear intention to address the challenges of moderating content and restoring public trust in the platform. The use of AI tools represents a significant step forward in this ongoing effort.
