In an age where AI-generated content is proliferating and concerns about censorship are growing, analysts at research and brokerage firm Bernstein believe blockchain technology could play a crucial role in preserving the truth.
Blockchain's Immutability Could Help Prevent Censorship Scandals, Bernstein Analysts Say
Citing recent events such as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s admission of Covid-related censorship in 2021, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest in France for failing to moderate content, and X’s legal battles with Brazil over its refusal to remove misinformation claims, analysts highlighted blockchain’s potential to prevent censorship.
In a note to clients today, analysts Gautam Chhugani, Mahika Sapra and Sanskar Chindalia stressed that blockchain’s “ledger immutability” could be an important defense against censorship.
While traditional media has intensified its efforts to check facts, especially during the US election cycle, and platforms like X have experimented with content moderation through community ratings, Telegram stands out with its more extreme stance against censorship.
Unlike other messaging platforms, Telegram does not use end-to-end encryption but relies on decentralized storage across multiple jurisdictions, making data retrieval difficult.
Telegram’s use of blockchain for cross-border money transfers and support for blockchain applications integrated with its crypto wallet underscores its commitment to privacy, despite increasing government pressure for greater cooperation on issues such as child exploitation and illegal activities.
Telegram's strong opposition to censorship stems from fears that it could lead to broader suppression of political views and freedom of expression, according to Bernstein analysts.
This resistance raises critical questions about the nature of truth, who determines it, whether governments should have the power to impose censorship, and how AI-generated content should be governed compared to human-generated material.
*This is not investment advice.