Ofcom is investigating encrypted messaging app Telegram having received evidence suggesting child sexual abuse material has been shared on the platform.
The communications regulator said it had received evidence from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection regarding the alleged sharing of child sexual abuse material on Telegram, and had carried out its own assessment of the platform.
"In light of this, we have decided to open an investigation to examine whether Telegram has failed, or is failing, to comply with its duties in relation to illegal content," Ofcom said in a statement.
Telegram said it "categorically" denied Ofcom's accusations, adding that since 2018 it had "virtually eliminated" the public spread of child sexual abuse material on its platform through detection algorithms.
"We are surprised by this investigation and concerned that it may be part of a broader attack on online platforms that defend freedom of speech and the right to privacy," the Dubai-based company said in a statement.
The investigation comes as the government puts other social media companies under pressure in a wider crackdown on children being exposed to harm online.
The 2023 Online Safety Act has set tougher standards for social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and TikTok, but Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wants them to do more.
And ministers are considering banning social media for children under the age of 16.
Read more from Sky News:
King and Queen commemorate Elizabeth II's 100th birthday
Two IDF soldiers jailed over smashing of Jesus statue
The Internet Watch Foundation, a British organisation that has been working with Telegram to help the company identify and remove harmful material, said there was more to do.
"We share concerns that bad actor networks are operating across Telegram's ecosystem, and that not enough is being done to prevent known, detected, child sexual abuse imagery from being distributed," it said in a statement.
(c) Sky News 2026: Ofcom investigating alleged sharing of child sexual abuse material on Telegram
X Factor singer accused of attempted murder makes heart sign from dock
Two UK ticket-holders each win £41.8m share of EuroMillions jackpot
Hundreds of MS-13 gang members in El Salvador mass trial accused of more than 47,000 crimes
Harvey Weinstein 'did what he wanted', says prosecutor as rape retrial begins
Lufthansa cuts 20,000 flights amid soaring jet fuel costs
Man charged with racially aggravated rape changes plea after being sworn at in court
English clubs reject VAR challenge system in the Championship
Pope warns humanity's destiny could be 'tragically compromised' and calls on politicians to respect international law
