The social media platform Telegram is facing serious scrutiny due to findings from a recent study indicating its algorithm significantly promotes extremist content. The report, released by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), suggests the "similar channels" feature, introduced last year, propels users toward extremist channels—even when they are engaged with innocuous topics such as celebrities or technology.
According to BBC's coverage of the SPLC study titled Telegram's Toxic Recommendations, researchers analyzed 28,000 Telegram channels and discovered alarming links between users' benign searches and radical content. For example, when users searched for "Donald Trump," they were quickly served recommendations for channels espousing the unfounded QAnon conspiracy theory, which claims Trump is secretly battling elite Satan worshippers involved in pedophilia.
Similarly, a search for mundane topics often led down dark paths. A search for "UK riots," for example, pulled up memes involving Adolf Hitler and recommendations for channels operated by violent far-right groups. Professor Megan Squire, who spearheaded the research, demonstrated this concerning trend, noting Telegram's algorithm seems to funnel users toward more extreme ideologies.
"Some of these groups are pretty active. You're not just on Telegram getting memes; you're getting shuffled to actual events. They're having events on the ground with people showing up," Squire said, highlighting the immediacy of the problem.
Telegram has been especially pivotal during times of unrest. Following the Southport knife attack last August, users quickly took to the platform to post calls for protests and circulated false narratives, including claims about the suspect being an asylum seeker—a tactic observed frequently online as misinformation spreads rapidly.
Elies Campo, a former insider at Telegram, reiterated concerns about the company's reluctance to moderate extremist content. Campo disclosed discussions with founder Pavel Durov, who reportedly expressed indifference toward filtering out harmful material. "His stance was it's not up to a platform like us to decide who should be speaking out. It was clear he didn't want to dedicate more resources to it," Campo explained.
Experts have raised alarm bells about the type and volume of illegal activities facilitated via Telegram. Professor David Maimon has studied illegal content on the platform for over six years. He voices deep concerns over tools and forums available on Telegram for criminals, from scamming to gun trafficking. Maimon demonstrated how users could find offers for Uzi submachine guns merely by posting requests for the weapons. "Telegram is definitely one of the most important platforms criminals are using now for criminality," Maimon commented.
Despite Telegram’s assertions of vigilant moderation, claiming they remove millions of pieces of harmful content each day, the SPLC findings suggest otherwise. Users appear to receive content largely based on their previous engagements, and the algorithm inadvertently promotes radicalization.
Telegram defended its approach, stating, "The 'channel suggestions' feature shows only channels with the same topic as those a user already follows. This approach ensures users are only presented with content they have chosen to engage with." The company claims it does not inject or promote harmful content, adhering instead to a philosophy of user choice.
Critics argue this lack of oversight could lead to disastrous consequences. With growing evidence of Telegram serving as both a communication and mobilization tool for extremist groups, calls for more stringent regulation are rising. Experts warn without intervention, Telegram will continue to be exploited by those seeking to advance violent ideologies.
Professor Squire encapsulated the urgency of the situation by stating, "On a scale of one to 10, Telegram I would say is an 11. It's dishing out enormous amounts of criminal content, extremist content. It is extremely dangerous, in my opinion." With the platform’s reach extending to nearly one billion users, the need for accountability and regulatory measures is more pressing than ever as the line between free speech and harmful content blurs on Telegram.
