May 27, 2025 9:25 pm
Full News

Study Reveals Telegram’s Algorithm Promotes Extremist Content

A new study by the US-based Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) reveals that Telegram, a popular messaging app, uses an algorithm that inadvertently promotes extremist content. The research, shared exclusively with the BBC, highlights how Telegram’s “similar channels” feature, introduced last year, recommends extremist content even to users exploring benign topics like celebrities or technology.
The SPLC study analyzed 28,000 Telegram channels and found that users engaging with mundane content were often directed toward extreme ideologies. For example, a simple search for “Donald Trump” led to recommendations of Q-Anon conspiracy channels, while searching “UK riots” returned far-right extremist memes and channels. The study also noted that users engaging with one form of extremist content, such as anti-government conspiracies, were funneled into other ideologies like antisemitism and white nationalism.
Megan Squires, the study’s lead researcher, described Telegram as a “digital threat,” emphasizing the platform’s role in spreading criminal and extremist material. “It’s dishing out enormous amounts of criminal content. On a scale of one to 10, Telegram is an 11,” she stated.
Telegram’s founder, Russian billionaire Pavel Durov, is under investigation in France for allegedly failing to curb criminal activities on the platform, including facilitating drug dealing, organized crime, and the sharing of child abuse material. While on bail, Durov has denied these allegations.
Extremist Content and Criminal Activities
Best known for its secretive messaging features, Telegram also allows nearly one billion users to create channels that broadcast messages and videos to audiences of up to 200,000 people. This feature has become a breeding ground for extremist content and criminal activities, according to researchers and law enforcement.
Prof. David Maimon from Georgia State University, who has spent years studying illegal content on Telegram, identified tens of thousands of channels offering tools for scammers, firearms, and other illicit goods. In one demonstration, a Telegram seller offered to ship an Uzi submachine gun to the UK for £850 within days.
Telegram’s role in inciting violence has also come under scrutiny. Following a knife attack in Southport in August, Telegram channels were among the first to circulate false claims about the suspect being an asylum seeker, which contributed to riots.
Lack of Moderation
Former Telegram insider Elies Campo told BBC Panorama that he confronted Durov in 2021 about the platform’s extremist content. Durov reportedly resisted increasing moderation efforts, stating that the platform should not decide “who should be speaking out.” Campo added, “If he could choose, he would prefer a stance where he doesn’t have to moderate anything.”
Telegram’s Response
Telegram has rejected the study’s findings, asserting that its moderation teams and AI tools remove millions of harmful posts daily. It maintains that users only see content they actively subscribe to and denies amplifying or promoting content through algorithms.
The company emphasized that its “channel suggestions” feature is based on topics users already follow, ensuring recommendations align with user preferences. “This approach is fundamentally different from how other platforms make suggestions,” Telegram stated.
Despite these claims, critics argue that Telegram’s algorithm and limited moderation policies contribute to its role as a hub for extremist ideologies and illegal activities, raising concerns about the platform’s impact on global security and safety.

Related News
A Minecraft Movie’ Breaks Box Office Record
UK and France to Discuss Ukraine with Trump
Ryan Reynolds Talks About the Future of Deadpool Movies
Academy to Honor Los Angeles and Songwriters at 97th Oscars
Russia’s Ballistic Missile Strike Sparks Outcry and Global Concern
Delhi High Court Dismisses Descendant’s Claim Over Red Fort Ownership
Related Posts
How Trump Plans to Avoid a Third Impeachment
Apple Rejected Elon Musk’s Satellite Offer—Now Its Ambitious Plans Are in Jeopardy
Direct Talks Between Syria and Israel
U.S. Warns Pirelli of Potential Sales Restrictions Over Chinese Ownership and Data-Collecting Tire Technology
Ukraine’s Drone Motherships Launch Groundbreaking Long-Range Autonomous Strikes
Israeli Troops Fire as Aid Operation Collapses Amid Gaza Hunger Crisis
More News

Washington Calls for Calm and Democracy Amid Rising Extremism in Bangladesh

Dastagir Jahangir,15 April 2025 | Washington, D.C. – During a routine press briefing on April 15, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce addressed growing international concerns regarding reports of escalating Islamist extremism and political instability in Bangladesh, allegedly under a “Yunus-backed regime.”In the briefing, journalist Dastagir Jahangir, editor of the U.S.-based news outlet TheVoice.news, referenced […]

10 Family Members of Masood Azhar Killed in Indian Airstrike

Ten family members of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar have reportedly been killed in an Indian airstrike in Pakistan, according to a statement made by Azhar. Among the deceased were five children. In a statement released on Wednesday, Masood Azhar accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of targeting innocent children, unmarried women, and the elderly. […]

Several Killed as Car Rams into Festival Crowd in Canada

Several people were killed and many others injured when a car drove into a crowd celebrating at the Filipino Street Festival in Vancouver, Canada, according to police reports. Thousands of people were attending the festival at the time of the incident. According to Al Jazeera, the event took place around 8 PM local time on […]

Taliban’s Sports Ban: Afghan Women’s Cricket Team in Exile Plays Historic Match

In a landmark event for Afghan women’s cricket, an Afghanistan Women’s XI played their first competitive match in Australia, marking a significant moment for the sport and for women’s rights in Afghanistan. This 20-over exhibition game took place at the Junction Oval in Melbourne, showcasing not just cricket but also a stand for gender equality. […]

NATO Boosts Presence in Baltic Sea Amid Suspected Sabotage of Undersea Infrastructure

HELSINKI – NATO announced on December 27 that it would increase its presence in the Baltic Sea following suspected sabotage of an undersea power cable and four internet cables. In response, Estonia has launched a naval operation to protect a parallel electricity link. On December 26, Finland seized a ship carrying Russian oil on suspicion […]

Instagram’s “Results Hidden” Glitch Sparks Political Bias Controversy

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is currently addressing a technical glitch that has led to the hiding of search results for the terms “Democrat” and “Democrats” on the social media platform. This issue, which coincided with the recent inauguration of President Donald Trump, has stirred accusations of political bias among users and observers. The […]

The Politics of Belligerence Are Back in Bangladesh

Mihir Sharma, ColumnistWhen Bangladesh’s Nobel Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus was called back home to head its government as “chief adviser,” there were hopes that the country would finally break out of the see-sawing despotism it has endured since independence in 1971. Many of those serving in his new government were young and apparently idealistic students […]

Naomi Scott’s Smile 2 Release Date Set for December 3

The sequel to the 2022 horror movie follows Skye Riley played by Naomi Scott, a pop star. As she prepares for a world tour, she begins to experience strange and frightening events. After its release in theaters in October, it has been confirmed that the movie will be available to stream on Paramount+ in the […]

Tahawwur Rana Extradited to India in Connection with Mumbai Attacks

Tahawwur Rana, one of the key conspirators in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited to India by the United States. On Thursday, a special aircraft carrying Rana landed at Delhi’s Palam Airport. Indian intelligence and investigation officials accompanied him on the flight. Upon arrival, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officially arrested him. Later, […]

The Goonies 2 Officially Happening with Spielberg and Chris Columbus

After decades of speculation, the sequel to The Goonies is officially happening! The beloved 1985 family adventure film, which became a cult classic, is set to return with The Goonies 2. Variety reports that Warner Bros. is moving forward with the sequel, and the iconic Steven Spielberg will return as a producer. Joining him is […]