Risky Bulletin Srsly Risky Biz: Telegram is cooperating with authorities, for now
May 22, 2025
Telegram recently cracked down on major criminal marketplaces linked to over $30 billion in illicit sales. The hosts discuss the platform's surprising cooperation with authorities amid ongoing scrutiny. They also highlight the alarming prevalence of scam ads on Meta and raise concerns about Chinese app encryption, questioning its effectiveness. A critical investigation into foreign electoral interference reveals social media's dark influences, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory oversight to safeguard democracy and user safety.
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Telegram Takedown of Huge Crime Markets
- Telegram shut down two massive guarantee markets used for criminal services like deepfakes and malware.
- These markets took $24 billion in cryptocurrency over a few years and had nearly 900,000 users.
Leverage Forces Telegram's Cooperation
- Telegram's CEO Pavel Durov was arrested in France after years of ignoring 2,500 law enforcement requests.
- The arrest pushed Telegram to suddenly cooperate with authorities, showing leverage changes behavior.
Telegram Cooperation Depends on Pressure
- Telegram's cooperation likely depends on leverage such as legal threats or investor pressure.
- Without ongoing pressure, Durov may revert to non-cooperation typical of Telegram's history.