A recent investigation by the nonprofit group AI Forensics has exposed a disturbing ecosystem within Telegram, where thousands of men congregate to trade in surveillance tools, nonconsensual intimate imagery, and targeted harassment. The research reveals that these digital spaces are not just for sharing illegal content, but serve as active marketplaces for tools designed to spy on partners, friends, and even strangers.
The Scale of the Abuse
Over a six-week study, researchers analyzed nearly 2.8 million messages across 16 Italian and Spanish Telegram communities. The findings paint a picture of a highly organized and prolific network of abuse:
- Massive Participation: More than 24,000 members contributed to the spread of over 82,000 images, videos, and audio files.
- Diverse Abusive Content: The groups facilitate the trade of “nudifying” services (AI-generated pornography), doxing (releasing private information), and much more extreme content, including child sexual abuse material.
- Targeted Harassment: While celebrities and influencers are frequent targets, a significant portion of the violence is directed at ordinary women —often individuals known to the perpetrators, such as wives, girlfriends, or former partners.
A Marketplace for Spyware and Hacking
One of the most alarming aspects of the report is the commodification of digital stalking. The study identified over 18,000 references to spying or surveillance services.
Users in these channels actively advertise “professional hacking on commission,” promising services such as:
– Gaining unauthorized access to a person’s phone gallery to extract photos and videos.
– “Anonymous” social media hacking.
– Spying on a partner’s private accounts.
– Providing bots specifically designed to “spy on a girl’s gallery.”
While researchers could not verify if every advertised tool actually works, the existence of these marketplaces creates a low barrier to entry for domestic abusers and stalkers to exert control over their victims.
The “Telegram Problem”: Anonymity vs. Accountability
The findings place Telegram under intense scrutiny. While the platform boasts over 1 billion monthly active users and positions itself as a champion of free speech, critics argue its architecture is being weaponized.
“Telegram stands out because it offers anonymity, speed, and large networks of like-minded users,” says Adam Dodge, founder of EndTAB. “Image-based abuse marketplaces will always emerge… especially when they don’t just distribute nonconsensual images but also conveniently provide access to the tools and tactics to obtain them.”
The Platform’s Defense:
Telegram maintains that it is actively fighting this content. A spokesperson stated that the company:
– Removes “millions” of pieces of content daily using custom AI.
– Has strict policies against nonconsensual imagery, doxing, and illegal goods.
– Claims to have blocked nearly 12 million groups and channels this year, including thousands linked to child sexual abuse material.
However, researchers suggest that the sheer volume of users and the platform’s privacy-centric model make it difficult to police effectively. This has led to calls for Telegram to be classified as a “very large online platform” under Europe’s Digital Services Act, which would impose stricter regulatory obligations.
A Global Pattern of Digital Violence
This is not an isolated incident. The AI Forensics report notes that these networks are part of a wider, global trend of technology-enabled abuse:
– China: Large groups (up to 65,000 members) have been found selling intimate images.
– United Kingdom: Telegram groups have been used to track and dox women from Facebook dating groups.
– Europe: Similar patterns of image-sharing and harassment have been documented in Germany, Portugal, and Italy.
The recurring theme is that as long as digital platforms offer high levels of anonymity and low moderation, they will continue to serve as hubs for those seeking to bypass legal and social boundaries to harm others.
Conclusion: The rise of specialized hacking and “nudifying” services on Telegram demonstrates how digital tools are being repurposed to facilitate domestic abuse and widespread sexual violence. This growing ecosystem highlights a critical tension between user privacy and the urgent need for platform accountability to protect vulnerable individuals.
