A Deep Dive into the Belgian Regulator's Scrutiny of Telegram's Compliance
Belgian authorities scrutinize Telegram for adherence to EU's anti-terror regulations
The talking point of this year is the Belgian Institute of Post and Telecommunications (BIPT) giving Telegram a thorough examination, checking if the messaging platform aligns with EU regulations for combating online terrorist content.
According to BIPT's latest report, they received an astounding 454 cross-border injunctions related to Telegram content in the previous year. The report, published last week, indicates a significant focus on Telegram due to the sheer number of its users and the numerous complaints.
"Given the massive user base of Telegram and the unprecedented number of complaints received, BIPT conducted a thorough investigation into Telegram's compliance with the obligations of the Terrorist Content Online (TCO) Regulation in 2024," the report states, adding that this scrutiny will continue in 2025, with other hosting service providers coming under BIPT's watch as well.
Interestingly, Telegram has its corporate home in the British Virgin Islands, yet its EU legal representative resides in Brussels, meaning the regulatory actions concerning the platform's compliance are led by BIPT.
The TCO rules went into effect in 2022, necessitating hosting service providers to swiftly remove terrorist content within an hour of receiving a removal order issued by a member state's national authority. In case of non-compliance, BIPT holds the power to impose a sizable financial penalty totaling 4% of the provider's worldwide turnover.
Telegram has been restricted in various parts of the world, primarily due to its role in spreading false information and enabling extremism. For instance, in the UK, the app was utilized for planning and coordinating anti-immigrant riots last year.
Last year, the co-founder and CEO of Telegram, Pavel Durov, was detained near Paris over investigations into allegations related to the messaging app, including organized crime and drug trafficking.
While BIPT is primarily overseeing Telegram's compliance with the EU's online platform rules, the Digital Services Act (DSA), Telegram claims it has fewer than the 45 million monthly average users required to be classified as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) and subject to examination by the European Commission.
However, BIPT discussed receiving some 10 complaints related to potential DSA breaches, with the majority involving Telegram. Collaboration with authorities in the Netherlands and Estonia helped resolve the issues, according to the report.
In the larger picture, the investigation into Telegram's compliance forms part of a broader strategy by EU regulators to maintain stringent regulations within social media platforms. As of now, specific details from the BIPT annual report are scarce. However, it's essential to keep an eye on this evolving situation, with consequences that could impact the future of online communication platforms.
Further Reading
- Controversy: Did France ask Telegram founder Durov to silence Romanian conservatives?
- Telegram's CEO Durov goes back to Dubai amid French probe into alleged criminal activity
- Telegram responds to legal pressure by providing some user data to authorities
- EU Policy
- Telegram
- Terrorism
- Digital Services Act (DSA)
- The ongoing scrutiny of Telegram's compliance with EU regulations by the Belgian Institute of Post and Telecommunications (BIPT) is a significant event in the field of cybersecurity, particularly considering the focus on policy-and-legislation surrounding technology and politics, as the Terrorist Content Online (TCO) Regulation and the Digital Services Act (DSA) are at play.
- This examination of Telegram's adherence to regional regulations is indicative of the growing importance of general-news coverage related to technology policy, as the consequences could potentially impact the future of online communication platforms, and broader trends in cybersecurity and digital regulation.
