As governments worldwide demand greater accountability from tech companies, Telegram is responding by agreeing to establish a regional office in Kazakhstan.
Telegram, the popular social messaging app, has announced plans to establish a regional office in Kazakhstan as part of its ongoing efforts to improve regulatory compliance and transparency across various jurisdictions.
On October 14, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry confirmed that Telegram will also appoint a local representative tasked with tackling the circulation of illicit content within the country. This individual will ensure that users adhere to the platform’s policies and enhance compliance with local regulations.
A Key Step in Content Control
Kazakhstan’s Minister of Digital Development, Zhaslan Madiyev, described Telegram’s physical presence as a crucial move to “increase control over content” on the platform.
The encrypted messaging app currently enjoys significant usage in Kazakhstan, with over 12.5 million monthly users interacting with the platform. According to Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, the number represents a notable 25% increase in platform adoption compared to 2023.
The decision to open a regional office follows heightened scrutiny of the platform. In August, Durov, was arrested in France over allegations of failing to implement effective regulatory measures to prevent illegal activities, including money laundering and the distribution of explicit material involving minors.
In response to these allegations, Telegram has since ramped up its security and compliance measures. In September, the company pledged to share data of users found in violation of its policies when requested by government authorities. Although, CEO Durov explained that the company has been working with government authorities and nothing has changed in the app’s privacy ethos.
That same month, Telegram also implemented advanced artificial intelligence tools aimed at detecting and removing illicit material from its platform. These initiatives have paved the way for the company’s agreement to establish its first regional office in Kazakhstan, supporting the nation’s efforts to combat harmful online content.
Kazakhstan’s Broader Push for Data Protection
Kazakhstan has been engaging with major technology firms in an effort to strengthen data protection and eliminate fraudulent activity online. Recently, officials held discussions with representatives from the US Chamber of Commerce and companies such as Meta and Apple to discuss issue relating to data protection, fraud prevention, and the eradication of fake accounts on social media platforms.
During the discussion, Meta, the parent firm of both Facebook and Instagram said it has blocked a total of 1.2 billion fake accounts globally in the third quarter of 2024. The company used artificial intelligence to detect and eradicate the fake accounts.
To further address the issues, Kazakhstan’s officials urged other platforms like TikTok to follow Telegram’s lead by appointing local representatives, in accordance with the country’s legislation.
“We are actively collaborating with Telegram to swiftly remove illegal content and block illicit channels. In line with our laws, platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, and TikTok are now required to appoint a representative in Kazakhstan,” said a government official.
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