Telegram to Open Kazakhstan Office to Tackle Illegal Content

Telegram is increasing regulatory compliance due to CEO Pavel Durov‘s legal issues by opening a Kazakhstan office to address illegal content.

Telegram, the widely used social messaging application, has disclosed its intention to establish a regional office in Kazakhstan to enhance regulatory compliance and transparency in various jurisdictions.

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry confirmed on October 14 that Telegram will also designate a local representative to address the circulation of illicit content within the nation. This individual will guarantee that users comply with the platform’s policies and improve their adherence to local regulations.

A Critical Stage in Content Management

Zhaslan Madiyev, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Digital Development, characterized Telegram’s physical presence as a critical measure to “increase control over content” on the platform.

The encrypted messaging app is in high demand in Kazakhstan, with more than 12.5 million monthly users engaging with the platform. Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, has stated that the figure indicates a substantial 25% increase in platform adoption when contrasted with 2023.

Following increased scrutiny of the platform, the decision to establish a regional office was made. Durov was arrested in France in August on suspicion of failing to implement effective regulatory measures to prevent illegal activities, such as the distribution of explicit material involving minors and money laundering.

Telegram has since implemented additional security and compliance protocols in response to these allegations. The company committed to sharing the data of users found to be violating its policies when government authorities requested it in September. Nevertheless, CEO Durov clarified that the app’s privacy ethos has not been altered, and the company has collaborated with government authorities.

The same month, Telegram also implemented sophisticated artificial intelligence tools to identify and eliminate illicit content from its platform. These initiatives have facilitated the company’s agreement to establish its first regional office in Kazakhstan, thereby assisting the nation in combating harmful online content.

Kazakhstan’s Expanded Initiative for Data Protection

Kazakhstan has been collaborating with significant technology companies to fortify data protection and eradicate fraudulent online activity. Officials recently engaged in discussions with representatives from the US Chamber of Commerce and companies like Apple and Meta to address concerns regarding data protection, fraud prevention, and eliminating fake accounts on social media platforms.

Meta, the parent company of both Facebook and Instagram, disclosed that it has prevented the creation of 1.2 billion fraudulent accounts worldwide in the third quarter of 2024. Artificial intelligence was implemented by the organization to identify and eliminate fraudulent accounts.

Kazakhstan’s officials encouraged other platforms, such as TikTok, to emulate Telegram’s approach by appointing local representatives per the nation’s legislation to resolve the issues further.

“We are currently engaged in a collaborative effort with Telegram to remove illegal content and block illicit channels promptly.” A government official stated that platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and TikTok are now obligated to designate a representative in Kazakhstan by our laws.