Telegram is strengthening ties with regulators in Kazakhstan by setting up a local office. On Oct. 14, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry announced that Telegram has agreed to appoint a local representative and establish an office in the country to enhance communication and compliance with local regulations.
Kazakhstan’s Minister Zhaslan Madiyev emphasized that having Telegram set up a physical office in the country would be a key step in tightening control over the platform’s content. Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, shared that 12.5 million people in Kazakhstan, over half the population, are now using the app every month, a 25% jump from last year.
Meta blocks 1.2B fake accounts globally
Kazakhstan’s officials recently met with representatives of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and major tech companies like Meta and Apple. During the meetings, they focused on key issues like data protection and tackling fraud, including fake accounts on social platforms like WhatsApp. Furthermore, Meta shared that, in the third quarter of 2024, they used AI to block 1.2 billion fake accounts worldwide.
Madiyev mentioned that Kazakhstan’s government has been actively collaborating with international partners to protect its citizens online. Telegram’s move to set up an office in Kazakhstan is part of its wider effort to meet regulatory requirements. This comes when Durov, the platform’s founder, is under scrutiny in France for how Telegram deals with illegal activities.
After French authorities charged Durov with multiple offenses in late August, Telegram has stepped up its fight against illegal activities on the platform. Moreover, in September, Durov revealed that Telegram had begun sharing the IP addresses and phone numbers of users who broke the app’s rules, complying with requests from relevant authorities.
Additionally, the CEO mentioned that Telegram has updated its search engine, removing questionable content and using AI to detect illegal material.
