Telegram will now also fight fake news and cooperate with governments
27 May 2024 19:04
Telegram is planning to introduce a feature called “Fact Check” to verify the authenticity of information, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
This option will allow governments of different countries to appoint official agencies that will check the content for veracity. When the agency finds inaccurate information, it will add explanatory data to the corresponding Telegram message. Users will be able to see which agency carried out the verification. Ordinary users will not be able to influence this fact-checking function.
Such a system is similar to Facebook’s existing practice, where organisations that fact-check content are designated for each country. For example, in Ukraine, such initiatives include StopFake, VoxCheck, Myth Detector, etc.
Draft law on Telegram regulation
It is worth noting that the Verkhovna Rada has registered Draft Law No. 11115, which will allow the regulation of information sharing platforms. This applies to messengers and, in particular, Telegram.
The explanatory note states that Telegram is used by 72% of Ukrainians to obtain information, and therefore it should be regulated no less than other media sources with a much smaller reach.
Telegram will be defined in the law as a platform for sharing information through which mass information is disseminated (a platform on which accounts – pages, channels, etc. of users through which mass information is disseminated – are created and function).
Thus, it will be classified as a media entity.
Telegram and other similar social networks will be required to submit to the National Council on Television and Radio Broadcasting information on the ownership structure, applications for amendments to the Register and updated information on the ownership structure.
If Telegram fails to provide the National Council with information about its representative in Ukraine or an open representative office in any EU member state, its ownership structure will be recognised as non-transparent. In this case, it will be banned from being used by government agencies and officials.
Telegram channels (in case of voluntary registration) will also be classified as online media.
Telegram will be obliged to publish refutations and restrict certain information that, in particular, infringes copyright and related rights.
The draft law has been sent to the relevant committee for consideration.
Meanwhile, the SBU said that it does not have the technical ability to block Telegram. And Budanov believes that Telegram can be used in favour of Ukraine.
