MENÚ
Fundación Maldita.es has published a policy paper that examines the role of public Telegram channels in the spread of misinformation.
The document is based on the results of research conducted in collaboration with the University of Granada, analyzing over 1.5 million messages sent by 95 public channels in Spanish between late 2019 and August 2024, including both media outlets and "alternative channels".
These are the main findings of the research that shaped our stance:
The alternative channels analyzed have a stronger presence on Telegram than traditional media channels.
They have a more engaged audience in terms of reactions and comments.
They create communities with other channels on similar topics.
They also serve as a bridge to the world beyond Telegram: they share a lot of content from other platforms and include links that redirect to them as well.
They adapt their messages to current events, providing their followers with a constant "alternative" view of what is happening.
Public channels that work like any other social media platform
Public Telegram channels allow for an unlimited number of subscribers, where the administrator serves as the main and practically sole moderator. Features such as reaction buttons or comments, available in 77% of the alternative channels analyzed, facilitate interaction between the administrator and their subscribers, fostering the creation of very active communities.
Interaction dynamics also exist between the channels themselves through message forwarding, which jump from one channel to another, increasing their visibility. Among the sampled channels, there are both content provider channels and content receiver channels.
This functionality facilitates the creation of like-minded communities among channels, further enhanced by the "similar channels" recommendations offered by Telegram. For half of the channels, it was possible to access at least one other alternative channel from the sample through this similar channels tab.
Alternative channels gain influence and unmitigated risks
This group of channels continues to expand their reach in terms of views compared to those owned by traditional media outlets that also share content. Despite following different trends, the average reach of each of the most followed alternative channels collectively nears 600,000 views.
Users who turn to these channels in search of content they cannot find in traditional media are exposed to potentially harmful content and disinformation covering many aspects of current events. Many of the most recurring topics are easily associated with the risks that very large online platforms, or VLOPs (of which Telegram is not currently one), are required to address according to the Digital Services Act (DSA).
The risks generated are not confined to this application but extend to platforms with more stringent obligations under the DSA. Through accounts on other online platforms, they target users who might be susceptible or interested in their content, encouraging them to move to Telegram. Meanwhile, through links in their channel messages, they redirect their communities to these platforms. In addition to VLOPs, administrators also redirect users to payment systems such as PayPal or Patreon.
Recommendations for Telegram and the Authorities
Based on these findings, it's important that Telegram is quickly designated as a very large online platform under the DSA following a review of the reported user information. Immediately afterward, it should be ensured that Telegram complies with its new risk mitigation obligations.
For its part, Telegram should implement tailored measures to address the issue of disinformation while respecting the platform's characteristics and freedom of expression. For example, by limiting the number of messages forwards or adding labels such as "forwarded many times."
Additionally, Telegram should include mentions of harmful misinformation in its community guidelines and strive for greater collaboration with representatives of civil society and experts to adopt best practices.
The complete policy paper can be accessed here and more on the results of the investigation here.