FAR-right groups have been blocked from spreading hate on secret messaging app Telegram.
Moderators are culling chat channels used by extremists, including many across Scotland.
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They use the encrypted platform to share their vile ideology and recruit youths by promising martial arts classes, camping trips and video game tournaments.
A source said: “It’s a big blow for these hate groups.
“They rely on the app to link up and share propaganda and information on meet-ups.”
Telegram, founded by exiled Russian brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov, has more than 700million users worldwide.
York University expert Prof Matthew Feldman said: “Telegram is the transnational far-right extremist platform of choice.”
The Active Club network, which met fascists from other countries this summer in Stirling for fighting contests, is among those banned.
Telegram said: “Over the last month, a number of UK-based channels that spread calls to violence were removed as part of our standard moderation efforts.”
Pavel, 39, was held in France this week amid allegations the Telegram allows criminal gangs and traders of child abuse images to exploit the platform.
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He faces at least ten years in jail if convicted of allowing criminal activity on the app.
The Russian-born CEO, who became a French citizen in 2021, was detained on Saturday outside Paris.
It comes after a judicial inquiry opened last month involving 12 alleged criminal violations.
He was released on Wednesday after four days of questioning but he was placed on judicial supervision and ordered to pay a £4.2million deposit.
Durov is now under a formal investigation by French authorities and has to show up at a police station two times a week.
He is under investigation for six charges including complicity in organised criminal distribution of sexual images of children.
Another charge is the administration of an online platform to enable illicit transactions by an organised gang.
A third is the refusal to share information with authorities when required by law.
Preliminary charges under French law mean magistrates have strong reason to believe a crime was committed but allow more time for further investigation.
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Telegram has insisted it abides by EU laws and its moderation is “within industry standards and constantly improving”.
We told how right-wing groups including Active Club and Patriotic Alternative use Telegram to organise meetings and share information with thousands of followers.
