Telegram recently initiated the prohibition of various channels associated with docking activities.
In a significant move, access to the controversial channel BlackMirror on Telegram has been shut down, and all associated messages and attachments have been deleted [1][2][3][4]. The decision to block the channel was made by Telegram founder Pavel Durov, who took action against BlackMirror for publishing user data.
Durov's efforts to combat blackmail and maintain user safety on the Telegram platform are part of a reactive but increasingly strict enforcement approach towards channels that publish personal user data, a practice known as doxxing [1][2][3][4]. This crackdown follows a surge in user reports, prompted by Durov's public call for users to report abusive, doxxing, and extortion activities [1][2][4].
Telegram only bans channels when it has undeniable evidence of extortion schemes, where admins published defamatory material and then deleted it after receiving money from victims [1][2][3][4]. The banned channels often engage in selling "protection blocks," charging people fees to avoid being doxxed or defamed [1][2][4].
Telegram has also announced efforts to detect and prevent banned channels from reappearing under different names [1][2][4]. The platform, usually known for its minimal moderation, has started banning numerous channels when there is clear, indisputable evidence that the channel admins conducted blackmail, defamatory postings, and demanded payments for content removal or protection [1][2][3][4].
The BlackMirror channel, which posted conversations of Russian officials and businessmen and offered to sell them for money, is a prime example of this [4]. Users are encouraged to report blackmail attempts to keep Telegram a safe platform [4].
If users encounter blackmail attempts on the Telegram platform, they are asked to report them directly to Durov by sending a personal message with evidence [4]. The hashtag #blackmail should be added to these messages to ensure they reach the right employee [4]. If access to Durov's account is paid, users should contact the Telegram support service at @notoscam [4].
Despite the recent enforcement, critics argue that this response is late and that Telegram's moderation remains soft [4]. However, the recent actions indicate a more decisive stance against these abusive practices [4].
In summary, Telegram's current policy entails removing channels confirmed to engage in doxing, extortion, and blackmail after thorough investigation and user reports, with efforts to prevent reincarnation of such channels [1][2][3][4]. This crackdown reflects a shift from hands-off moderation to active interventions when abuse is substantiated [1][2][3][4].
[1] https://www.theverge.com/2025/8/12/23387548/telegram-crackdown-doxxing-extortion-channels-pavel-durov [2] https://www.wired.com/story/telegram-crackdown-on-doxxing-extortion-channels/ [3] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/13/technology/telegram-doxxing-extortion.html [4] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-58838124
Cybersecurity measures are being strengthened within Telegram's platform, with a focus on preventing doxxing and extortion, following the removal of the BlackMirror channel. The founder of Telegram, Pavel Durov, has taken active steps to combat such practices, using technology to detect and prevent banned channels from reappearing under different names.
