Germany: Announced BfJ fine against messenger app Telegram

On 17 October 2022, the German Federal Office of Justice (BfJ) fined the messenger platform Telegram EUR 5.125 million for its failure to implement a mechanism for users to flag illegal content and appoint a local representative. In particular, Telegram violated the Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG) requirements. According to the BfJ, Telegram has not provided any mechanism for content moderation, stating that hatred, violence, and hate speech have no restrictions on the application. Furthermore, the MOJ requested Telegram to create a way to manage illegal content and to set up a German office or entity to receive German-based complaints.