The government may soon block Telegram in the Philippines.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology is studying whether to restrict access to the popular messaging app after it was flagged as a platform being used for illegal gambling, pornography, and online sexual exploitation of children.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said gambling syndicates have migrated their operations to Telegram, using the app's privacy features to evade authorities. He added that the agency has been attempting to coordinate with Telegram's management to enforce local regulations, but has had difficulty making contact.

Secretary Aguda was firm on child abuse and online sexual exploitation, saying these are issues the government will not compromise on, and that platforms which fail to act will be blocked.

The DICT is working with the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation to go after illegal online gambling networks and other cybercrime operations.

Telegram has also been under international scrutiny. In 2024, company co-founder and chief executive Pavel Durov was arrested in France over allegations that the platform allowed criminal activity to spread unchecked. He was released on bail and the case against him remains ongoing.