Gun Shop America, a popular Telegram channel with nearly 26,000 subscribers, has been caught selling illegal goods such as firearms, drugs, and cloned bank cards. The channel owner, who remains anonymous, encourages followers to message him directly to make purchases in bitcoin or US dollars. This illicit marketplace is just one example of the criminal activity flourishing on Telegram, which experts now dub as the new “dark web” where lawbreakers and cyber hackers operate freely.
Telegram’s rise in popularity has been significant, with its founder Pavel Durov positioning the platform as a privacy-focused alternative to mainstream social media giants. However, this freedom has attracted criminal elements, as evidenced by the proliferation of illegal services and goods on the platform.
Despite being headquartered in Dubai, Telegram has managed to evade significant regulatory scrutiny. As the platform continues to grow and explore monetization options, investors and experts are concerned about its ability to control criminal activities and ensure user safety.
Pavel Durov, with a reported net worth of $11.5 billion, has a personal history of standing up against government surveillance, which has shaped his vision for Telegram. The platform’s commitment to privacy and free speech has garnered trust from users, but also raised concerns about its potential misuse by extremist groups and disinformation campaigns.
With ambitious plans for expansion and monetization, including the development of a blockchain ecosystem, Telegram aims to become a one-stop shop for developers and users. Durov’s leadership style and dedication to upholding values of privacy and free speech have positioned Telegram as a unique player in the tech industry, but challenges lie ahead as the platform grapples with its dark side and regulatory pressures.