No more Telegram ban as agreement reached for safer digital space — DICT

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Friday said banning Telegram in the Philippines is no longer on the table as an agreement between the encrypted messaging platform and the agency along with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has been reached.

In a Facebook post, the DICT said the development resulted from its meeting with Telegram representatives Ronak Singh and Abhimanyu Yadav.

The DICT, CICC, and Telegram forged an accord for a safe digital space.

The accord, in particular, contains the following features for Telegram to comply with:

•  24/7 Helpdesk Response – Immediate action on reported illegal content
•  Regular Reporting – Monthly updates on takedowns among other metrics to the DICT at CICC
•  Zero Tolerance to Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), illegal gambling, and other abusive activities

Early this week, the DICT floated the possibility of banning Telegram in the country as a consequence of continued violations in OSAEC, illegal gambling, and financial fraud proliferating on its platform. 

Telegram is a cloud-based, encrypted messaging platform founded in 2013 by Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov.

Known for its focus on privacy and security, the app allows users to send messages, photos, videos, and files of any type, as well as create large group chats and channels.

Telegram has gained popularity worldwide, particularly among users seeking alternatives to mainstream messaging apps.

However, its encryption and minimal content moderation have also made it a platform where illegal activities, such as scams and child exploitation, have occasionally surfaced.

In 2024, Durov was reportedly arrested in France over alleged criminal activities linked to his app, including child pornography, drug trafficking, and financial fraud. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News