Moderation and Telegram will remove 97 million extremist materials in 2025

In a move reflecting a firm international commitment to protecting the digital space from destructive ideologies, the ongoing strategic cooperation between the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal) and the social media platform Telegram yielded record results during 2025. This technological and security alliance successfully launched preemptive strikes against extremist organizations, removing 97,611,787 pieces of extremist propaganda and shutting down 4,294 channels that were being used as platforms for spreading poisonous ideologies and recruiting young people.

Details of the digital confrontation in 2025

The year 2025 witnessed intensive and systematic efforts to monitor and analyze extremist content, with operations distributed throughout the year according to a precise methodology:

• First quarter (January-March): More than 16 million pieces of extremist material were removed and 1,408 channels were shut down, marking a strong start to the year in curbing terrorist propaganda.
• The second quarter (April-June): This period witnessed the greatest escalation in monitoring and control operations, with more than 30.8 million items removed across 1,254 channels.
• Third quarter (July-September): The momentum continued with the removal of approximately 28.5 million items and the closure of 1,150 channels.
• Fourth quarter (October-December): The year concluded with efforts that resulted in the deletion of 22.2 million items and the closure of 482 channels.

Background of the partnership and its strategic importance

These results are the culmination of a cooperation agreement launched in February 2022 between the Etidal Center, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the Telegram platform. This collaboration aims to prevent terrorist organizations from exploiting encrypted platforms to spread their ideologies. The Etidal Center, established in 2017, is a global authority in monitoring and analyzing extremist thought using cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies, thus enhancing the international community's ability to combat this transnational phenomenon.

Cumulative impact and community protection

The significance of these figures lies not only in their sheer numbers but also in their role in protecting millions of users worldwide from exposure to hate speech and violence. From the start of this collaborative effort until the end of December 2025, the total number of extremist materials removed reached a staggering 258,307,577 , with 19,087 extremist channels shut down. This sustained effort reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leading role in spearheading international efforts to combat terrorism online and underscores that partnerships between specialized security institutions and social media platforms are the optimal way to cleanse the digital space and ensure a safe environment for future generations.