Telegram Becomes Profitable While Facing Criticism Over Misinformation
Telegram has achieved profitability for the first time after paying off a significant portion of its debt. However, the app faces ongoing scrutiny for spreading misinformation and illegal content.
For the first time since its launch, Telegram is turning a profit. CEO Pavel Durov shared on Monday that the messaging app has paid off a significant portion of its $2 billion debt and is now on solid financial ground. Telegram’s revenue surpassed $1 billion in 2024, and it holds more than $500 million in cash reserves, excluding its cryptocurrency assets.
With over 900 million active users, Telegram has become one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms. However, its success comes with challenges as the app faces growing criticism for allowing the spread of harmful and illegal content.
Criticism Over Harmful Content and Misinformation
Telegram has been under fire for its handling of illegal content and misinformation. The app has been accused of hosting child abuse materials, spreading false claims, and providing a platform for extremist groups.
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Some major incidents include:
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France: In August, French prosecutors charged CEO Pavel Durov with crimes related to illegal activities on Telegram. Durov, who was born in Russia, is currently not allowed to leave France.
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Spain: After devastating floods in Spain that claimed over 150 lives, misinformation spread rapidly on Telegram. False claims about the death toll and conspiracy theories blaming the storm on weather manipulation caused confusion and panic.
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United States: Civil rights groups have reported that white-supremacist groups use Telegram to spread hate and recruit new members. These groups often disguise themselves as “men-only fight clubs” while promoting racist conspiracies.
Telegram’s Response
Telegram has defended itself against these criticisms. Devon Spurgeon, a company spokesperson, emphasized that the platform is committed to tackling misinformation responsibly.
“Users only see content they subscribe to, and we offer a verification system to identify official channels,” Spurgeon said. “Unlike other platforms, we don’t use algorithms that push sensational content.”
While Telegram’s focus on user privacy and freedom has been a key part of its appeal, it also makes it harder for the company to monitor and remove harmful content.
Profit Success, But Controversies Linger
Telegram’s first-ever profitability is a big achievement, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. While the app has proven it can make money, it's still facing intense scrutiny for allowing harmful content and misinformation to spread. The real question now is how Telegram will handle these concerns moving forward while continuing to grow and succeed financially.
