BERLIN – The German authorities have filed a lawsuit against the Telegram, in which the operators of the messenger app are fined for non-compliance with laws that regulate the conduct of social media sites.
German magazine Der Spiegel Reported on the weekend Officials believe that the use of the Telegram app has reached a level that, like Facebook, Twitter and Tick Tock, can be considered if cooperation with German authorities is required.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice confirmed on Monday that the authorities had written to telegram operators in the United Arab Emirates because they had not provided a channel and contact person in Germany to file complaints.
“The company now has the opportunity to react,” said spokeswoman Rabia Bonnie Gaussen to reporters in Berlin.
Der Spiegel reported that the company could face a fine of up to 5.5 million euros for non-compliance with the requirements.
The Telegram did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Founded by Russian brothers Nikolai and Pavel Durov, Telegram has recently gained popularity in Germany, including right-wing groups and opponents of the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2017, the German Bundestag passed the Network Enforcement Act with the stated aim of enforcing the current borders of the Redeland online, including a long-term ban on Holocaust denial.
Opponents argue that the law would restrict freedom of expression.
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