Ofcom Probes Telegram and Teen Chat Sites Over Child Safety Risks
Summary
Ofcom is investigating Telegram over alleged CSAM sharing and Chat Avenue and Teen Chat over grooming risks. Telegram denies the allegations; the chat sites say they have safety measures. Ofcom could order changes or impose fines if violations are found.
Key points
- Ofcom opened its Telegram investigation after the Canadian Centre for Child Protection shared evidence allegedly showing CSAM on the platform; Ofcom then conducted its own assessment.
- The probe will examine whether Telegram met user-to-user service obligations under the UK Online Safety Act.
- Ofcom is also investigating Chat Avenue and Teen Chat over grooming risks; the Chat Avenue probe includes whether children are adequately protected from pornography.
- Telegram denies Ofcom’s allegations and says it uses detection algorithms and works with NGOs to curb the public spread of CSAM.
- Chat Avenue says it uses message deletion, word filters, monitoring and user reporting; Teen Chat did not immediately respond.
- Ofcom says it was unsatisfied with the chat sites’ responses about preventing grooming.
- If violations are found, Ofcom can require changes and impose fines of up to £18 million or 10% of qualifying global revenue.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Ofcom regulatory investigations into potential child-safety violations under the UK Online Safety Act
- Impact
- Ofcom is investigating whether Telegram facilitated the sharing of child sexual abuse material and whether Chat Avenue and Teen Chat adequately protect children from grooming and harmful content. No violations have been determined. Telegram denies the allegations, and Chat Avenue and Teen Chat say they have safety measures in place. If violations are found, Ofcom can order changes and impose fines of up to £18 million or 10% of qualifying global revenue.
People
Products
Chat AvenueOfcom also opened investigations into Chat Avenue and Teen Chat over grooming risks and minors’ exposure to harmful content like pornography.Teen ChatThe UK regulator Ofcom has opened investigations into Telegram and two teen chat sites after evidence suggested the platforms may have facilitated the sharing of child sexual abuse material and enabled grooming.TelegramThe UK regulator Ofcom has opened investigations into Telegram and two teen chat sites after evidence suggested the platforms may have facilitated the sharing of child sexual abuse material and enabled grooming.