In Germany, the telegram has been accused of fomenting a growing dangerous subculture of anti-vaccine conspiracy theorists.
The messenger service Telegram, which has become popular among far-right groups and opponents of COVID-related sanctions, has blocked 64 of its channels in Germany, the Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported on Friday without giving any source of information. The newspaper said the move came after Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office sent out requests to shut down the messenger service.
In Germany, the Telegram has been accused of fomenting a growing toxic subculture of anti-vaccine conspiracy theorists who exchange news about alleged threats and organize demonstrations that have escalated into violence.
The newspaper said the affected channels include Attila Hildman, a vegan celebrity chef who spreads conspiracy theories about the coronavirus to more than 100,000 followers on the messaging service.
The German Interior Ministry, which said last week that it had held constructive talks with Telegram representatives, was not immediately available for comment on the report. Telegram did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Telegram blocked 64 of its channels in Germany,
The Telegram app is becoming increasingly popular among activists and protesters, especially platforms such as Facebook, which have become more responsive to government pressure to crack down on those who spread lies, threats, or conspiracy theories.
Interior Minister Nancy Pfizer said in remarks last month that Germany could shut down the telegram and that it was in talks with its EU partners on how to regulate the messenger service.
