Summary:
•Spain ordered the suspension of Telegram services due to copyright complaints.
• Spanish mobile service providers are responsible for blocking Telegram services.
•Nearly 19% of Spanish people use Telegram, underscoring its widespread popularity.
The Spanish High Court has ordered the suspension of services of the popular messaging app Telegram starting from March 25, 2024.
The decision came after complaints from several media companies, including Atresmedia, EGEDA, Mediaset and Telefonica, which accused Telegram of facilitating unauthorized content sharing. Judge Santiago Pedraz granted the suspension to allow a full investigation into the allegations.
Spain suspends Telegram
According to this directive, mobile service providers in Spain must enforce a block on Telegram operations. This measure marks an important development considering Telegram's status as the fourth most used communication platform in the country.
Known for its strong encryption and privacy features, the platform has a user base covering almost 19% of the Spanish population.
FACUA, a consumer protection NGO, warned that the judicial decision would cause huge harm to the millions of users of the messaging app, as well as the companies, organizations and public and private institutions that legally disseminate content through channels on the platform. .
Rubén Sánchez, a campaigner at consumer rights group FACUA, said: "Shutting down the Internet just because some websites illegally host copyrighted content is like cutting off all TV signals because some networks engage in piracy."
The suspension has sparked debate about how to find a balance between copyright protection and digital freedom. Telegram, which reported in 2023 that it had more than 700 million monthly active users worldwide, is at a critical juncture. The company's response to the suspension and further comments from the high court remain to be determined.
The development affects millions of Telegram users and sets a precedent for how digital platforms are regulated in Spain.
