EU to investigate Telegram for use in spreading disinformation
The EU has the Digital Services Act (DSA), which imposes an obligation on large platforms to prevent the spread of false information, and X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok are under investigation under the DSA. The messaging app Telegram claims that it has fewer users than the number covered by the DSA, but the EU is apparently launching an investigation into whether it is really outside the scope of the DSA, as pro-Russian groups are taking advantage of the lax crackdown and using the app to spread false information.
Telegram: Pro-Russian Groups Spread Disinformation and EU Is Powerless - Bloomberg
EU probes Telegram because size matters for regulators • The Register
The EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) is a law that requires IT companies to prevent the spread of false and misleading information on their platforms and to eliminate targeted advertising. Nineteen platforms, including Google Search, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X, are designated as targets.
European Commission announces large-scale platforms subject to 'Digital Services Act', including YouTube, Google, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Wikipedia, etc. - GIGAZINE
In October 2023, the EU launched an investigation into X (formerly Twitter) for posting a large amount of false information about Hamas, which effectively controls the Gaza Strip, using force against Israel. This is the first investigation conducted under the DSA.
In February and April 2024, TikTok came under investigation for possible violations of the DSA.
Meanwhile, Telegram has been used by pro-Russian forces as a hub for spreading disinformation, with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas telling Bloomberg, 'Disinformation is spread openly and unchecked on Telegram.'
Telegram is likely being used to spread disinformation because it has a lower official user base than platforms covered by the DSA and has less restrictive rules than those covered by the DSA.
As of early May 2024, Telegram's official website stated, 'We estimate that the average number of monthly active users in the EU for the six months to February 2024 will be 41 million. This is below the 45 million required to be classified as a 'very large platform' (under the DSA). Furthermore, since only a portion of Telegram's functions are considered an 'online platform' under the DSA, the number of monthly users used to calculate the threshold is likely to be even lower.'
However, the EU is questioning Telegram's claim that it has 41 million users and is investigating the matter. Perhaps as a result of the investigation, the item showing the number of users was no longer available at the time of writing.
If Telegram is found to have more than 45 million users, it will qualify as a 'large platform' and be subject to the DSA.
If Telegram is found to be in breach of the DSA and refuses to cooperate with the EU investigation, it could be fined up to 6% of its turnover or expelled from the EU.
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in Software, Web Service, Posted by logc_nt