A network of nearly 25,000 individuals used the messaging service Telegram to distribute nonconsensual sexual material and child pornography across Spain and Italy. AI Forensics, a European non-profit, identified an "ecosystem of abuse at scale" after analyzing 2.8 million messages over six weeks in 16 Telegram groups.
The report indicates most users sharing this content are young, heterosexual men distributing material of partners or acquaintances, with the most extreme cases involving children in incest and rape scenarios.
Perpetrators monetize this content, charging up to €50 for access to channels and archives, with some offering monthly subscriptions. "Nudifying" bots are advertised to generate more nonconsensual images. The study found women are often identified by name and profile links within these channels, with content then redistributed on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Reddit serves as a 'recruitment gateway' for these Telegram channels.
AI Forensics stated that Telegram's moderation is "insufficient," noting that shut-down groups were quickly recreated. The organization recommends enhanced reporting mechanisms, policy enforcement, and designating Telegram as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the EU's Digital Services Act for stricter obligations and transparency. They also urge the EU AI Act to facilitate the removal of child sexual abuse and nonconsensual images from platforms.