RIYADH — A collaborative effort between Saudi Arabia’s Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal) and the messaging platform Telegram resulted in the removal of nearly 98 million instances of extremist content and the shutdown of over 4,200 channels in 2025. This ongoing partnership aims to curb the spread of radical ideologies online, with consistent monitoring and removal efforts throughout the year. The initiative underscores growing international concern over the use of digital platforms for recruitment and propaganda.
The removals took place across all four quarters of 2025, with Etidal reporting a sustained and increasing volume of content flagged and removed. This builds upon a longer-term collaboration that began in February 2022, demonstrating a commitment to addressing online radicalization. The partnership highlights the challenges faced by both governments and tech companies in managing harmful content online.
Combating Extremist Content: 2025 Results in Detail
The first quarter of 2025, spanning January to March, saw the removal of 16,062,667 instances of extremist material and the closure of 1,408 channels. This initial surge in activity set the tone for the year. The second quarter, from April to June, witnessed a significant increase, with 30,846,485 pieces of content removed and 1,254 channels shut down.
Authorities maintained momentum through the summer months, removing 28,495,947 instances of extremist content and closing 1,150 channels between July and September. The final quarter, October to December, saw 22,206,688 instances of content taken down, alongside the dismantling of 482 channels used for extremist propaganda. These figures demonstrate a consistent effort to disrupt the dissemination of harmful ideologies.
Technological Advancements in Content Moderation
Etidal attributes the success of these efforts to advanced software tools capable of classifying and detecting extremist content within six seconds of publication, with an accuracy rate exceeding 80%. This rapid detection capability is crucial in limiting the reach of harmful material. Additionally, Etidal’s multidisciplinary research team is developing analytical models to identify the geographical concentration of digital media platforms used by extremist groups.
This geographical analysis aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of online extremist activity and tailor counter-terrorism strategies accordingly. According to Etidal, this data-driven approach is essential for effectively addressing the evolving tactics of extremist organizations. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning is becoming increasingly prevalent in the fight against online radicalization.
Broader Context of Digital Extremism
The rise of digital platforms has presented new challenges for counter-terrorism efforts. Extremist groups have increasingly utilized social media and messaging apps to recruit members, spread propaganda, and coordinate activities. This shift online has necessitated a collaborative approach involving governments, tech companies, and civil society organizations. The spread of radicalization is a global concern.
However, balancing security concerns with freedom of speech remains a complex issue. Critics argue that content moderation policies can be overly broad or disproportionately target certain communities. Transparency and accountability are crucial in ensuring that these policies are implemented fairly and effectively. The debate over online censorship continues to intensify.
Since the beginning of the collaboration in February 2022, Etidal and Telegram have collectively removed a total of 258,307,577 instances of extremist content and closed 19,087 extremist channels. This cumulative figure underscores the scale of the problem and the ongoing need for vigilance. The partnership serves as a model for other collaborations between governments and tech companies seeking to combat online terrorism.
The focus on Telegram is significant, as the platform has historically been identified as a haven for extremist groups due to its encryption and large user base. While Telegram has taken steps to address these concerns, challenges remain in effectively monitoring and moderating content on the platform. The platform’s decentralized nature complicates efforts to identify and remove harmful material.
The 2025 results represent a substantial increase in the volume of content removed compared to previous years, suggesting that Etidal’s efforts are becoming more effective. This improvement may be attributed to advancements in technology, increased collaboration with Telegram, and a better understanding of extremist tactics. The ongoing refinement of detection algorithms is expected to further enhance the effectiveness of these efforts.
Looking ahead, Etidal is expected to continue its collaboration with Telegram and explore partnerships with other social media platforms. The center will likely focus on developing more sophisticated analytical models to identify emerging trends in online extremism and proactively address new threats. The effectiveness of these efforts will depend on continued investment in technology, data analysis, and international cooperation. Further reports detailing the specific types of extremist ideologies targeted are anticipated in the coming months.