On April 8, we released “Harassment as Infrastructure,” detailing widespread abuse networks on Telegram.

The platform’s CEO responded with accusations that failed to address the findings:

Networks involving nearly 25,000 users across Italy and Spain The spread and monetization of non-consensual intimate images (NCII) Including child sexual abuse material (CSAM)

Just two days ago, Ofcom opened an investigation into Telegram under the Online Safety Act. The EU must follow suit.

That is why, alongside 80+ organizations working on gender-based online violence, we are sharing an open letter with the European Commission, demanding action:

We call on the EC to:

-Ban nudifying bots on Telegram -Clarify Telegram’s legal status and designate it a Very Large Online Platform -Establish clear criteria for classifying semi-public spaces in messaging apps

We call on Member States to:

-Activate cross-border enforcement between Digital Services Coordinators -Transpose Directive (EU) 2024/1385 into national law