Secure messaging app Telegram removes 78 ISIS-related channels
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}(Screenshot from www.telegram.org)
Encrypted messaging app Telegram has removed 78 Islamic State-related channels this week, it announced Wednesday.
The jihadists used Telegram to claim responsibility for Friday’s terror attacks on Paris, which left 129 people dead.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Telegram explained that the channels spanned 12 languages. The mobile messaging service said that reports sent by its users help it identify and then block the public channels.
This week we blocked 78 ISIS-related channels across 12 languages. More info on our official channel: https://t.co/69Yhn2MCrK
— Telegram Messenger (@telegram) November 18, 2015
We could identify and block these public channels thanks to reports you sent to abuse@telegram.org. Thank you! https://t.co/i0My3D4Nxa
— Telegram Messenger (@telegram) November 18, 2015
The messaging app introduced channels, which it touted as “a new tool for broadcasting your messages to large audiences” on Sept. 22.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Telegram describes itself as messaging app with a focus on speed and security. The free app, however, has emerged as a new promotional and recruitment tool for ISIS, according to Reuters.
ISIS turned to Telegram after Twitter and other social media ramped up their efforts to block the terror group. Reuters reports that the app counts 60 million active users around the world.