Social Media Platform Telegram Faces Mideast Troubles
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
BUDAPEST/DOHA (Worthy News) – Social media platform Telegram says that “due to the recent events in the Middle East, particularly in Israel, Lebanon, and Iran,” it “experienced unprecedented loads.”
Telegram added, “In the past few days, some users may have faced temporary connection issues and difficulties accessing media.”
The Worthy News Telegram was among the news channels experiencing difficulties in Qatar, which has been hosting Hamas leaders and seeking a ceasefire between the group and Israel.
However, Doha has been pressured over reportedly censoring social media sites like Telegram.
Yet “Thanks to our technical team’s efforts, Telegram remained available in most countries, and all issues are now fully resolved. We apologize for any inconvenience,” Telegram said.
It comes at a time when Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov faces prosecution in France on charges that include enabling the distribution of child sexual abuse material, drug trafficking, and fraud.
Durov, a great defender of free speech, was detained in August after he landed near Paris on a private plane from Azerbaijan. He has since been released on bail of 5 million euros ($5.5 million) but could still face years of imprisonment.
Telegram says it abides by European Union laws, including the Digital Services Act – and that “its moderation is within industry standards and constantly improving.”
It is “absurd to claim that a platform or its owner is responsible for the abuse of that platform that almost a billion users globally use as a means of communication and vital information source,” Telegram added.
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