What if a popular messaging app is reshaping warfare? We're about to take you on a journey into the nexus of technology, warfare, and propaganda, with our insightful guest, Ari Ben-Am, Co-founder of Telemetry Data Labs, a startup that's building a search engine for Telegram.
Ari is an expert in "memetic warfare," the strategic use of memes, viral images, and culturally resonant symbols to influence public opinion or disrupt an adversary's narrative in the modern digital battlefield.
We'll unpack the role of Telegram, a tool for 800 million users worldwide, and a platform for both kinetic and cyber warfare, now being exploited by groups such as Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, and their patron Iran. With its unregulated nature and distinct usage patterns across the globe, we'll explore how this messaging app has become a central battleground in war.
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**Amir:** All right, Ari Ben-Am, thanks for joining us on the Dejargonizer. We're at war. Israel's at war. I believe it's day 38 or 39. I've invited you to discuss a part of this war that, although it has received attention, is still somewhat perplexing to me – the role of the Telegram app. This app is being extensively and intensively used by all sides.
**Ari Ben-Am:** About myself – my name is Ari. Originally from the States, I've been in Israel for about 11 years now.
**Amir:** I realized after the Russian invasion of Ukraine that the existing tools for the platform Telegram weren't sufficient.
**Ari Ben-Am:** Telegram, a global platform with over 800 million users, has been around for over a decade. It's especially popular outside the United States and Western Europe, in regions like Latin America, former Soviet states, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
**Amir:** What are the main differences in how these places use messaging apps, given that they aren't regulated like Telegram?
**Ari Ben-Am:** Messaging applications are more practical in many parts of the world where people primarily access the internet via mobile phones rather than computers. Telegram, for instance, allows for massive data uploads and sharing with low data usage, making it popular in regions with limited internet packages.
**Amir:** Could you briefly tell us about Telemetry Data Labs and your focus on Telegram?
**Ari Ben-Am:** At Telemetry Data Labs, we aim to provide access to public data on messaging applications. Telegram's limited global search feature makes it challenging to retrieve comprehensive data, which is where our work comes in. We're trying to create a comprehensive index for Telegram's publicly available data.
**Amir:** Why has Telegram become the preferred app for groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad?
**Ari Ben-Am:** Telegram's unique features, such as its messaging structure, anonymity, and flexible API for data gathering, make it a dynamic platform ideal for a variety of purposes, including warfare and geopolitical events.
**Ari Ben-Am:** In terms of weaponization, platforms like Gmail can also be used maliciously, but Telegram is particularly effective for broader scale propaganda.
**Amir:** But Telegram is different from platforms like TikTok or Instagram, which use algorithms to suggest content. With Telegram, users must actively seek out specific content.
**Ari Ben-Am:** Yes, that's an important distinction. The way users engage with content on Telegram is driven by their choices, unlike algorithm-driven platforms where content is promoted by the platform itself.
**Amir:** Considering Telegram's role in disseminating disinformation and controversial content, what else have you observed on this platform during the war?
**Ari Ben-Am:** Telegram's flexibility and lack of censorship have made it a key platform for propaganda and disinformation, used by both Hamas and Israeli groups. For example, the South First Responders channel is known for sharing explicit content from the conflict.
**Amir:** How do you see the role of Telegram in the broader digital battlefield?
**Ari Ben-Am:** Telegram plays a crucial role in various aspects of warfare, including kinetic actions, cyber warfare, and public diplomacy. Its ability to host and spread content rapidly makes it a powerful tool for spreading both accurate and misleading messages.
**Amir:** Do you believe Telegram has a net positive or negative impact on humanity?
**Ari Ben-Am:** While Telegram can expose users to harmful content, its role as a critical source of information, especially in conflict zones, makes it a net positive for global awareness and understanding.
**Ari Ben-Am:** In terms of propaganda, groups like Hamas use Telegram traditionally for media dissemination, while Iran employs it for more sophisticated hybrid warfare tactics, including doxxing and psychological operations.
**Amir:** How can individuals use Telegram safely, especially when seeking to stay informed about conflicts?
**Ari Ben-Am:** Users should adjust privacy settings to protect their identity, avoid auto-downloading content, and be cautious when joining groups or channels. It's crucial to approach Telegram content critically and securely.