Since its founding in 2013, Telegram has rapidly evolved from a niche messaging app into one of the world’s most influential digital platforms, and its growing presence in the European Union raises urgent challenges. Praised for its functionality and freedom, yet notorious for its weak moderation and ties with Russia, Telegram is increasingly used for malicious campaigns. From anti-vaccination and flat-Earth conspiracies to disinformation and illicit activity, its freewheeling growth challenges