Hi John,

The messaging app Telegram is popular. It was the most downloaded app across iOS and Android globally in the beginning of 2021. It is also the most popular app amongst terror-promoting far right networks and is home to the most extreme, genocidal and directly violent antisemitic content.

It’s past time for Telegram to act. We’ve written directly to Telegram’s CEO. The more of us who add our names to the letter, the more likely it is Telegram will listen.

Why do far right terrorists love Telegram so much?

Since its founding in 2013, Telegram has strongly emphasised privacy, with founder Pavel Durov once claiming that “our right for privacy is more important than our fear of bad things happening, like terrorism”.

Privacy is an extremely important facet of democracy, but it is not boundless, and Telegram knows it.

In November 2019 Telegram collaborated with Europol to conduct a “coordinated action focused on the dissemination of online terrorist content” removing over 43,000 bots and channels linked to the Islamic State terror group.

So it’s possible to act - and they’re willing to when it comes to the Islamist terror threat.

Yet HOPE not hate researchers found that at least 120 Telegram groups and channels have shared the racist, anti-semitic manifesto penned by the terrorist who attacked two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, in March 2019, killing 51. Telegram has taken no action against that content.

Far right terrorism is a growing threat across the globe and one that requires new and innovative ways to combat it, but tech companies need to play their part.

Together with Jewish community groups and allies, we’re demanding Telegram be consistent, and act against all terror actors, including those on the far right. Will you add your name?

Thank you for everything you do,

Roxana and the rest of the HNH campaigns team

PS. We’ve already been to Telegram’s registered office in London with a message so big they couldn’t miss it. Watch our video from the visit here.