The Supreme Court of Spain recently made a significant decision regarding the popular messaging platform Telegram, ordering its suspension within the country. This action was taken in response to claims made by local media companies regarding the ease with which users could access and download copyrighted content through the platform.
Legal Action and Suspension
Various media entities, including Atresmedia, Mediaset, EGEDA, and Telefonica, have initiated legal proceedings against Telegram. Judge Santiago Pedraz, in response to these complaints, has issued a temporary suspension of Telegram’s operations in Spain. This suspension will remain in effect until the investigation into the matter is concluded. Local cellular operators have been tasked with implementing the blockade. Despite these developments, official representatives from Telegram have yet to comment on the situation.
Usage and Impact
Telegram holds a significant presence in Spain, being the fourth most popular instant messenger in the country, as reported by the National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC). Nearly 19% of Spaniards regularly utilize the platform for communication purposes. Globally, Telegram boasts a user base exceeding 700 million active users, according to the service’s own data, adds NIX Solutions.
As the situation unfolds, we’ll keep you updated on any further developments regarding the suspension of Telegram in Spain and its implications for users and the platform’s future.