Telegram eliminates millions of illegal Telegram groups using advanced artificial intelligence

Telegram has taken decisive action against illicit activities on its messaging platform, removing approximately 15 million illegal Telegram groups. This massive effort responds to increased regulatory pressure in recent months, culminating in the arrest of CEO Pavel Durov in France, where he faces charges related to harmful content shared on the app. Cutting-edge artificial intelligence has proven essential in achieving this large-scale cleanup.

The scale of the cleanup: millions of groups removed in the crackdown

The platform has revealed impressive figures in its fight against illicit content. According to data provided by Telegram, the removal of illegal Telegram groups has exceeded 15.4 million since this intensified campaign began. The moderation team worked systematically behind the scenes for several months, removing channels and groups that violated the terms of service.

The strategy combines AI management tools with user reports. This hybrid approach has enabled a faster removal rate, especially after Durov’s arrest. The company has kept records since 2015, but the figure of 15,474,022 banned illegal groups specifically pertains to 2024, reflecting an unprecedented effort.

Radical transparency: Telegram’s new moderation page

In response to calls for transparency, Telegram has launched a dedicated oversight page where the public can monitor moderation efforts in real time. Durov emphasized that the goal is to let the community see exactly what the moderation team is doing to combat illicit activities. The initiative demonstrates the company’s commitment to accountability.

Through this platform, Telegram provides periodic updates showing the volume of content removed and cases processed. This measure was announced as part of a broader offensive in September, indicating that the platform aims to align with government authorities’ requests to strengthen its legal standing.

2024 figures: CSAM, terrorism, and illicit content under control

Detailed data for 2024 reveal the scope of the problem Telegram has addressed. Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) remains a critical priority, with 703,809 banned groups and channels related to this threat. These cases were processed through collaborations with specialized organizations, including the Internet Watch Foundation, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, and Stitching Offlimits.

At the same time, Telegram has intensified its fight against terrorist propaganda. The platform reports that in 2024, it blocked 129,099 pieces of terrorism-related content. This effort has been ongoing since 2016, when the company began actively collaborating with Europol and other authorities, achieving a total of 100 million terrorist content blocks in recent years.

Near future: partnership with IWF and new tools

Telegram recently announced a strategic partnership with the Internet Watch Foundation to intensify the removal of child sexual exploitation material. The cooperation will leverage advanced AI tools to identify and remove this content more quickly. Derek Rae Hill, CEO of the IWF, expressed optimism about the joint results: “We look forward to taking additional steps together to create a world where the dissemination of online sexual abuse material is nearly impossible.”

Meanwhile, Pavel Durov remains under restrictions in France as he faces legal proceedings. If found guilty, he could face up to ten years in prison and a fine of $550,000. However, through these concrete actions, Telegram demonstrates its determination to transform its platform and systematically and transparently eliminate illegal groups.