The Kremlin issued a cautionary message to Pavel Durov, owner of the messaging application Telegram, urging him to exercise greater vigilance after reports emerged suggesting the platform was utilized in the recruitment of gunmen responsible for an attack on a concert hall near Moscow.
Telegram, founded by Durov, has been under scrutiny for its alleged role in facilitating terrorist activities. Durov, who relocated from Russia in 2014 after losing control of his previous company, currently resides in Dubai and holds dual citizenship of the UAE and France.
While there are no immediate plans to block Telegram, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the need for Durov to be more attentive to the platform’s potential misuse by terrorists. Peskov acknowledged Telegram’s significance as a major source of news dissemination but cautioned against its exploitation by malicious actors.
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In response to these concerns, Durov announced proactive measures to address the issue. He revealed that Telegram swiftly intercepted and blocked tens of thousands of attempts to disseminate messages inciting violence. Additionally, Durov announced forthcoming features to empower users in controlling their messaging experience, including the ability to limit personal messages and the implementation of artificial intelligence mechanisms to filter out unwanted content.
Durov asserted Telegram’s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure platform, reiterating that the app is not a conduit for spam or violent propaganda. The platform’s proactive stance against misuse underscores its dedication to fostering a responsible digital environment.
As Telegram continues to navigate challenges related to its widespread usage, Durov’s proactive measures aim to strike a balance between preserving user privacy and preventing abuse of the platform for nefarious purposes.
