The report contains an interview with German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser who stated "We cannot rule this out," when asked if the platform will be targeted for censorship.

"A shutdown would be grave and clearly a last resort. All other options must be exhausted first," Faeser clarified.

The minister also told the newspaper that while it is currently unclear what legal action would be needed to shut down the platform, the German government is in consultation with the European Union regarding potential regulation of it.

The Epoch Times notes that in Germany, which has implemented some of the most severe pandemic restrictions, "Telegram has been used as a hub of communication for the protest movement against the measures established to fight the CCP virus, including lockdowns, intermittent mask mandates, and restrictions for the unvaccinated."

Telegram has been shut down or blocked in other countries including Iran, China, Pakistan, India, Thailand, and Russia.