Federal Criminal Police Office turns on WhatsApp alternative

Telegram is currently in focus, as members see the messenger as a legal vacuum where you can say anything and don’t have to fear any consequences. But that’s not the case and that’s why the BKA is getting involved with the WhatsApp alternative – and that with immediate effect.

Telegram: BKA task force starts work

Authorities are not exactly known for reacting quickly to certain developments. It’s different with Telegram. The WhatsApp alternative has been under massive pressure for several weeks because nothing is being done about the misconduct of users. Now the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) is also getting involved. A task force was set up with the motto “Messenger services are not a legal vacuum‘ starts work immediately.

“The corona pandemic in particular has contributed to people radicalizing themselves on Telegram, threatening others or even publishing calls for murder,” says BKA President Holger Münch. “The rule of law must resolutely counter this worrying development. We aim to work with Telegram, but we will also take action if Telegram does not cooperate.” (Source: BKA)

Basically would the BKA also prefer to work with Telegram, but you are also equipped to become active independently. In this case, the identification and criminal prosecution of suspects should take place. The BKA works closely with the police, the federal states and the Central Office for Combating Internet Crime (ZIT). The cooperation of Telegram in the case of deletion suggestions is also observed.

Telegram is one of the most popular WhatsApp alternatives:

Federal Criminal Police Office wants to take action

It will be interesting to see what influence the German authorities and the BKA have on Messenger Telegram. Technically it would be possible for the WhatsApp alternative to filter the messenger, but you probably don’t want it. Now the BKA wants to go on the search itself. Since some users can be identified with real names, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem at the beginning. In addition, the authority has other technical options at its disposal. Some politicians are calling for the messenger to be blocked in Germany, but it would also have negative effects on certain uses. Time will tell if the situation improves or just shifts elsewhere.