Telegram, traditionally recognized for its commitment to user privacy, has announced a significant change in its policy as it will now share user IP addresses and phone numbers with law enforcement upon receiving legal requests, according to a report by Bloomberg News on September 23.
In a recent update of the platform’s terms and conditions, Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov conveyed this pivotal decision. This shift marks a departure for the messaging service, which has previously faced criticism for allegedly ignoring requests from authorities, especially in relation to criminal investigations.
New Moderation Tools and User Privacy
In conjunction with this policy revision, Telegram is introducing enhanced moderation tools, integrating both artificial intelligence (AI) and human moderators. These updates aim to better identify and eliminate inappropriate content on the platform. Durov has also encouraged users to report any illegal or harmful content to ensure timely action.
Maintained Privacy Features
While these changes are noteworthy, Telegram users will still benefit from several privacy-focused features, including:
- End-to-end encryption
- Disappearing messages
- The option to use the platform without a SIM card
Telegram continues to assert that, up until now, no user messages have been shared with third parties, including governmental institutions.
Legal Troubles for Pavel Durov
Durov’s announcement arrives in the wake of his own legal troubles, having been arrested by French authorities in late August. This arrest is part of an ongoing investigation encompassing twelve criminal charges, which include serious allegations such as drug trafficking, child exploitation, and money laundering.
Following 96 hours in custody— the maximum duration under French law— Durov was released but placed under judicial supervision, mandated to pay a €6 million bail, remain within France, and report to the police bi-weekly.
Denial of Charges and Company Compliance
Despite facing these allegations, Durov has denied all charges. Telegram has asserted its compliance with European regulations, including the Digital Services Act. The company has also emphasized its commitment to improving moderation efforts, although it has faced ongoing accusations regarding permitting illegal activities on its platform.
The arrest provoked strong reactions from various political and tech industry leaders. Speculation arose about whether the arrest was politically motivated; however, French President Emmanuel Macron has dismissed such claims, indicating that it is part of an ongoing judicial inquiry.
Mentioned in this article
This rewritten content optimizes the original with structured headings, subheadings, and bullet points, while preserving the core information and making it unique.