New Tool Launched to Detect Hacking Content on Telegram

A Russian developer, supported by the National Technology Initiative, has launched the Apparatus Sapiens AI module to scan Telegram chats and groups, detecting malicious content swiftly to bolster RuNet security amid rising cybercrime and violence.

The Apparatus Sapiens module uses an advanced neural network to rapidly analyze large data volumes, allowing it to detect criminal activity much faster than human analysts.

Igor Beder, director at T.Hunter, highlighted the tool’s effectiveness: “It analyzes social network content to spot signs of crime, working thousands of times faster than Telegram analysts, making it crucial for law enforcement.”

A key feature of the module is its ability to reveal the identity of content creators. This has become vital as reports of arson and other violent crimes rise in Russia. The AI analyzes message tone, spotting keywords like “explosion” or “arson,” and gathers information about the author, such as demographics and network connections.

The system monitors 22 million chats, both public and private, for potential threats, according to Beder.

When suspicious content is flagged, the tool can collect user details like mobile numbers and geolocation, sharing this with law enforcement. While the tool’s role in fighting cybercrime is praised, experts like Zhanna Meksheneva warn about ethical concerns and call for regulations to prevent misuse.

Meksheneva warned that such services could be misused for stalking or blackmail, urging restricted access to ensure only trusted organizations can use this technology.

The launch of this AI tool is part of a global trend in social media monitoring to detect extremist or criminal content, similar to the US government’s PRISM program, which gathers public data legally.

As digital threats grow, the need for advanced monitoring tools increases, balancing safety with privacy concerns. Tools like Apparatus Sapiens could be vital for cybersecurity, but they also raise important questions about data ethics and privacy.