Telegram may face a ban in the Philippines

Telegram could be blocked in the Philippines, where authorities cite the platform’s alleged role in spreading pornography, illegal gambling, deepfakes, and financial scams.

Henry Aguda, Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), told Philippine broadcaster DZRH that officials are considering restricting the messenger founded by Pavel Durov.

According to Aguda, operators of illegal gambling activities appear to have shifted to Telegram, which is also being used to distribute pornographic content. The agency has also faced coordination challenges with Telegram’s management, complicating enforcement of local regulations.

At the same time, the minister said the DICT has been meeting with other platforms to strengthen efforts against online crime.

What we agreed on is non-negotiable. Monitor social media and tell me if you see online sexual exploitation and abuse of children. I said if I see even one more case, people may get angry at me, but I will block them.

Aguda also pointed to additional concerns, including the spread of deepfakes and financial fraud schemes, particularly those involving dubious product sales that often target older users.