Ofcom Opens Formal Investigation Into Telegram Over Child Sexual Abuse Concerns
April 21, 2026 - 9:50 am
The UK’s online safety regulator, Ofcom, has initiated a formal investigation into Telegram under the Online Safety Act 2023. The probe examines whether the messaging platform has fulfilled its legal obligations to safeguard UK users from child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
This enforcement action by Ofcom is a significant development, marking a direct challenge to one of the world's most popular messaging services, long under scrutiny for content moderation. The investigation stems from Ofcom’s mandated process under the Act, requiring user-to-user and search platforms to identify and mitigate risks associated with illegal content, including swift removal of CSAM.
Ofcom's powers include fines reaching £18 million or 10% of a company's global revenue, and in cases of persistent non-compliance, they can request ISPs to block access to the platform within the UK.
It's important to note that the investigation does not imply wrongdoing on Telegram's part; Ofcom first gathers evidence, assesses potential breaches, and provides the company with an opportunity to respond before a final decision is made. This process typically takes several months.
Telegram’s recent actions include joining the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) in December 2024 and implementing their detection tools, alongside age controls introduced in response to the Online Safety Act. Despite these efforts, Ofcom has determined there are sufficient reasons to proceed with a formal investigation.