Telegram, a messaging app known for its emphasis on privacy and security, confirmed on Wednesday that it had shut down dozens of public channels that "had been used by ISIS to spread their propaganda."
In a statement posted on Telegram , which is accessible to users of the app, the company said it had blocked 78 channels last week that were related to ISIS. The company also said it would soon add an updated version to make it easier for users to report “inappropriate public content.”
Telegram app known for its strong encryption and emphasis on user privacy. The app is very popular internationally, where it is used as an alternative to WhatsApp for similar services. The app had millions of downloads in 2014, after WhatsApp was acquired by Facebook. The app sees more than 12 billion messages per day, according to its founder, Pavel Durov.
The issue of encryption within messaging services has come under intense scrutiny since the terrorist attacks in Paris. Government officials in many countries have previously expressed concern about apps that use very strong encryption to protect users’ private communications. British Prime Minister David Cameron has previously said he would like tighter restrictions on apps, including “backdoors” that allow government officials to access messages in certain circumstances.
In a link on Telegram, the company notes that while it blocks channels related to terrorism, it does not hinder freedom of speech, even in areas where chat is prohibited.
