Telegram, the popular messaging app, has banned access to channels linked with the Palestinian militant group Hamas to address concerns about spreading misinformation and propaganda during the ongoing crisis in the region.
The company's actions were taken in response to mounting pressure from critics and have primarily affected Android users.
Channels Blocked
CNBC reports that Telegram blocked access to two prominent Hamas channels: "hamas_com" and "al-Qassam brigades," the latter being the military wing of Hamas.
When Android users attempted to access these channels, they were greeted with a message that read: "Unfortunately, this channel can't be displayed on Telegram apps downloaded from the Google Play Store."
According to The Jerusalem Post, Telegram attributed its restrictions to Google's app store guidelines.
This move raises questions about whether similar actions will be taken for iOS users.
Notably, other Hamas-affiliated channels, including "Gaza Now" with over 1.6 million subscribers, remain accessible on Telegram.
The Ongoing Conflict and Misinformation
The blocking of these channels comes amid the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel.
The situation escalated on October 7 when Hamas launched a significant surprise attack on Israel, the largest such attack in decades.
This event, like many others in recent history, emphasizes the responsibility of social media firms to prevent the spread of misinformation and propaganda during times of crisis.
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Similar Moves from Big Tech
This action against Hamas channels is reminiscent of social media companies' responses following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Companies such as Meta, Google, and Twitter (now known as X) faced similar pressures to crack down on pro-Russian propaganda and misinformation on their platforms.
According to The Verge, both Meta and X have stated that they have taken steps to block Hamas-linked accounts and curb the propagation of misinformation about the war on their platforms.
The European Union has warned companies like X and Meta, cautioning them that they face investigations and potential penalties under the Digital Services Act.
This landmark regulation demands that tech companies clean their platforms of illegal and harmful content, particularly concerning misinformation regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Telegram CEO's Perspective
Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, had previously resisted calls to remove Hamas's presence on the app.
He argued in a recent Telegram post that the group had been a crucial source of information about the war, even using the platform to warn civilians in Ashkelon to leave the area ahead of missile strikes.
Durov stated that the decision to remove such channels is not straightforward, as it could either save or endanger lives, further complicating the already dire situation.
Google's Policy and Moderation
Telegram attributed the block to Google's app store guidelines, stating that the channels could not be viewed on Telegram apps downloaded from the Google Play Store.
A Google spokesperson confirmed their policy banning violent content related to terrorism within apps. This stance has implications for how platforms like Telegram are managed on Android devices.
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