Researchers Expose Telegram’s Trade in Nude Images
Research conducted by the campaign group AI Forensics has unveiled a disturbing trend on Telegram, revealing a network trading in nude images. The investigation covered Spanish and Italian groups over a six-week period, uncovering close to 25,000 active users involved in sharing explicit images, often exchanged for money.
Key Findings from the Telegram Investigation
The researchers analyzed over 80,000 files exchanged across 16 Telegram channels from December 2025 to February 2026. The findings included:
- Approximately 75% of the shared files were photos.
- About 25% consisted of video content.
- Only 1% of the files were audio recordings.
Many of these files were classified as sexually explicit, with some depicting underage individuals. The study indicated that several images were “deepfakes,” created using artificial intelligence, while others were authentic. AI Forensics highlighted the presence of harmful behaviors within these groups, including doxxing, coordinated harassment, and discussions inciting violence.
Sources of Shared Content
Notably, much of the material was sourced from popular platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. The researchers suggested that Telegram serves as a central hub for the organization and distribution of this abusive content, enhancing its reach through features like end-to-end encryption.
Criticism of Telegram’s Moderation
AI Forensics critiqued Telegram for its ineffective moderation policies. Despite several group shutdowns during the observation period, many reemerged shortly after under the same names, indicating flaws in the platform’s approach to content regulation. The authors stressed that the combination of privacy features and mass distribution capabilities allows abusive behavior to flourish with a false sense of security.
Calls for Regulatory Action
The group urged the European Union to categorize Telegram as a “very large online platform” (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA) for enhanced oversight. In response, Telegram asserted its commitment to preventing the sharing of non-consensual intimate images, including pornographic deepfakes, within its community.
Telegram also claimed its moderation systems are superior to those of currently designated VLOPs. Meanwhile, the platform’s co-founder, Pavel Durov, faced legal challenges after his arrest in France in 2024. He has denied any involvement in facilitating illegal transactions or hosting inappropriate content.
