Weak Technical Support Turns Telegram into Digital Crime Hub in Iraq, DMC affirms

 
Baghdad-INA
 
Digital Media Center-DMC confirmed on Saturday that weak technical support is turning Telegram into a digital crime hub in Iraq.
 
"Bad technical support of Telegram application and its disregard for the reports of Iraqi users turned it to be  an ideal platform for planning, training and implementing fraudulent and criminal schemes in the country, "stated DMC in a statement, received by The Iraqi News Agency-INA.
 
"Over the past few months, our cadres detected dozens of telegram channels dedicated to the development of fraudulent technologies and digital extortion, , in addition to leaking thousands of data of Iraqi users and security and government agencies,” the statement added.
 
"We also detected other channels specialized in blackmailing Iraqi girls after hacking their accounts, and then threatening to publish their private photos through other channels, which caused the killing of number of girls and smear the reputation of dozens of Iraqi families," the statement continued.
 
DMC affirmed, "The Telegram platform constantly ignores requests to delete violating channels, and cooperation was weak from the platform's technical support, despite the dozens of reports it receives about the observed criminal violations."
 
DMC pointed out that "The lack of response and cooperation with reports that monitor criminal activities is a phenomenon that characterized the Telegram platform, unlike other digital platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp, which cooperate with interest with reports related to illegal activities and remove any violation at a rapid pace."
 
“Telegram failure to respond the reports from Iraq and its delay in providing technical support made it easier for criminal groups to publicize and promote their various activities. These organizational gaps contributed to the development and acceleration of digital crime skills in Iraq, “DMC noted.
 
The Digital Media Center called on the Telegram platform to "expedite a change in its policy," warning it of "the consequences of continuing non-cooperation with users in their communications against violating channels that violate local and international standards and laws."