Telegram

Data Security, Telecommunication Services

Risk Level:

Rating - Clear
Lower Risk

Summary:

Telegram is an instant messaging service with some end-to-end encryption services. It has not gotten involved in partisan issues. However, the platform has canceled some political chat channels due to potential violence, though this seems to be a universal enforcement of site policy rather than a partisan decision. This censorship was not inherently political in nature. For these reasons, Telegram receives a "Lower Risk" rating.

Criteria
Risk Level
Rationale
Corporate Weaponization
Criteria

Has denied service to customers, suppliers, or vendors due to their political views or religious beliefs OR corporately boycotts, divests, or sanctions regions, people groups, or industries.

Risk Level
Rationale

Telegram has deleted some chat channels on its platforms due to concerns of violence and obvious falsehoods (1)(2). These did not appear to be political in nature. The CEO has promised not to discriminate against users (3).

Criteria

Charitable giving (including employee matching programs) policies or practices discriminate against charitable organizations based on views or religious beliefs.

Risk Level
N/A
Rationale

Telegram does not appear to give to charity. The app itself is the result of donations from its founder, Pavel Durov (1).

Criteria

Employment policies fail to protect against discrimination based on political affiliation/views and/or religion.

Risk Level
Rationale

Telegram does not post an employment policy.

Corporate Governance and Public Policy
Criteria

Uses corporate reputation to support ideological causes and/or organizations hostile to freedom of expression.

Risk Level
Rationale

Telegram has not supported ideological causes. It does promote and support free speech; therefore, Telegram has supported dissenting movements seeking to gain footing after government or corporate censorship (1). It has received criticism for supporting free speech.

Criteria

Uses corporate funds to advance ideological causes, organizations, or policies hostile to freedom of expression.

Risk Level
Rationale

Telegram has not funded ideological groups hostile to freedom of expression.

Criteria

Uses corporate political contributions for ideological, non-business purposes.

Risk Level
N/A
Rationale

Dubai-based Telegram does not make political contributions in the United States.

All links were last accessed and all information was updated on:
December 27, 2022

Company reports are intended for educational use only. Full Disclaimer

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