Telegram takes action against UK channels inciting violence
Telegram confirmed it is removing UK channels and posts inciting violence, following the deletion of a 15,000-member extremist group organising protests.
T he encrypted instant messaging service Telegram has confirmed to BBC Verify that it is actively “removing channels and posts containing calls to violence” within the UK. This response follows the deletion of a Telegram group with 15,000 members, which had been influential in organising nationwide protests.
The group, which was taken down on Monday night, had been posting violent threats and racist messages. Telegram’s moderators are now vigilantly monitoring the platform. “Calls to violence are explicitly forbidden by Telegram’s terms of service,” stated the company.
BBC Verify also reported that subsequent attempts to re-establish the group were promptly thwarted. The group had been pivotal in coordinating protests in 40 locations across the UK.
The extremist group emerged shortly after the tragic Southport killings, quickly becoming a hub for misinformation about the suspect’s identity and inciting a protest near a local mosque. Disturbingly, it also hosted manuals on making petrol bombs and incited attacks against minority groups.
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