Telegram temporarily suspended in Spain over High Court orders

Company says that Telegram had over 700 million monthly active users across the globe as of 2023

Kate Mills - Mar 24, 2024

An undated image shows Telegram logo. — Unsplash

The renowned instant messaging service Telegram has been temporarily banned in Spain over High Court orders.

The short-term suspension has been implemented nationwide owing to complaints made by media outlets, claiming that the social media platform has allowed users to upload their content nonconsensually.

Following appeals from some well known media organisations in the country, including Atresmedia, EGEDA, Mediaset and Telefonica, the court ordered to discontinue Telegram services temporarily from Monday, Reuters reported while citing sources in the Spain High Court.

The verdict was passed from Santiago Pedraz, a High Court Judge, wherein he approved the keep the ban intact until a thorough investigation into media firms' claim being conducted.

As per another court source, quoted by Reuters, the temporary blackout on Telegram services will be ensured by mobile phone providers.

Telegram stands to be the fourth most-used instant messaging service in Spain, according to the date released by competition watchdog CNMC, which adds that the platform was used by 19% of Spaniards it surveyed. As of 2023, Telegram had over 700 million monthly active users across the globe, as per the company.