Astana, Oct 14 (EFE).- Telegram, the instant messaging service whose founder, Pavel Durov, faces multiple charges in France for refusing to cooperate with the authorities, is to open a representative office in Kazakhstan, local officials announced Monday.
Increasing Content Control with a Local Telegram Office
“We reached an agreement with Telegram regarding the appointment of a representative and the opening of an office, an important step toward increasing control over its content,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, the Kazakh minister of digital development, innovations, and aerospace industry, as cited by the ministry’s website.
He added that Kazakh authorities are already “actively cooperating with Telegram to swiftly remove illegal content and block destructive channels.”
Compliance with Kazakhstan’s Internet Laws
Madiyev explained that, in accordance with Kazakh law, “internet platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, and TikTok are required to have a representative in Kazakhstan.”
According to the ministry’s press service, Madiyev made this announcement during a meeting with representatives of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and American tech giants Meta and Apple.
Collaboration with Tech Giants on Data Security and Fraud Prevention
During the meeting, Madiyev discussed data security, combating fake accounts, and user protection with the U.S. representatives.
Additionally, he announced that the Ministry of Digital Development will work with Meta to combat fraud schemes.
“The fight against internet scams is a global task that requires joint efforts. Meta representatives highlighted that the internet fraud faced by Kazakhstan is a common problem for many countries,” the ministry said in a statement.
Meta’s Global Efforts Against Fake Accounts
According to the ministry, Meta blocked 1.2 billion fake accounts worldwide in the last quarter alone, accounts that used artificial intelligence technologies for illicit activities.
Telegram’s Legal Challenges in France
Pavel Durov, who remains in France after being released on bail, stated in early October that his company had been sharing user data with authorities since 2018 and blamed the misunderstanding with the European Union on the fact that they did not use “the proper mechanisms” to communicate with Telegram.
The founder of the popular messaging service was arrested by French authorities on August 24 and later released on bail after French courts charged him with 12 offenses, ranging from money laundering to complicity in the distribution of child pornography images. EFE