Malaysia

We don’t want political censorship: Telegram declines to work with govt

Spokesman says messaging app has been actively moderating harmful content

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 28 May 2023 4:53PM

We don’t want political censorship: Telegram declines to work with govt
Telegram was singled out recently by Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil for not wanting to cooperate with the government to discuss complaints related to user security, scams, the sale of prohibited substances, and pornography. – AFP pic, May 28, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR – Telegram is not cooperating with the Communications and Digital Ministry as it does not want “political censorship”, a representative from the messaging app said, according to the New Straits Times (NST).

The spokesman, Remi Vaughn, was quoted as saying that Telegram has been active in moderating harmful content on its platform, including the sale of illegal substances and “public pornography”.

“Telegram will not, however, participate in any form of political censorship,” Vaughn's statement to NST said.

Telegram was singled out recently by Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil for not wanting to cooperate with the government to discuss complaints related to user security, scams, the sale of prohibited substances, and pornography.

“We admit we have a problem with Telegram. Despite being invited to meet, since January until today, they have refused to cooperate,” Fahmi said.

The minister added that he had asked regulator Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission to study the next course of action. – The Vibes, May 28, 2023

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