Debate Around Free Speech on Telegram

Source: The post ‘debate around free speech on Telegram’ has been created, based on the article “Reasonable limits: Laissez-faire approach to content hosting, not commitment to free speech” published in “The Hindu” on 28th August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-Indian constitution-fundamental rights

Context: The article discusses the need for balancing free speech with responsibility on platforms like Telegram. It highlights the arrest of Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, and questions whether absolute free speech can justify ignoring harmful content like extremism and child pornography.

For detailed information on Amendment to IT Rules and regulating fake news read this article

What is the Debate Around Free Speech on Telegram?

1. Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, supports absolute free speech, which has attracted both dissidents and harmful content like extremism and child pornography.
2. Durov’s recent arrest in France has sparked debate on whether his approach is a threat to public safety or a defense of free speech.
3. Telegram’s moderation practices are criticized; unlike Signal, it doesn’t use end-to-end encryptions for all messages, allowing some criminal content to be accessed.
4. The spread of misinformation on platforms like WhatsApp in India demonstrates the dangers of unchecked content, emphasizing the need for responsible moderation.

How Does Telegram Handle Content?

1. Telegram offers encryption, but it does not use full “end-to-end” encryption like Signal.
2. This means that while some messages remain private, others can be accessed by Telegram and potentially shared with law enforcement.

3. Telegram claims its moderation practices meet industry standards, but investigations show that the platform ignored requests to curb illegal activities.

What Should be Done?

1. Balance Free Speech and Responsibility: Telegram must moderate content to prevent illegal activities like extremism, drug dealing, and child pornography, while still supporting free speech.
2. Respond to Law Enforcement Requests: Telegram should act on requests to curb illegal content, as failing to do so may lead to legal consequences, like the arrest of CEO Pavel Durov by French authorities.
3. Learn from Other Platforms: Following WhatsApp’s example, which introduced restrictions to curb misinformation, Telegram could implement similar measures to control the spread of false information and harmful content effectively.

Question for practice:

Examine how Telegram’s approach to free speech poses challenges in balancing the prevention of illegal activities with the protection of user privacy and freedom of expression.