Messaging platform Telegram is set to change its stance on user data privacy, as CEO Pavel Durov announced the app will now provide IP addresses and phone numbers to relevant authorities upon valid legal requests. This significant policy shift aims to deter criminals from exploiting the platform, as Durov detailed in a recent post on Telegram.
This announcement comes in the wake of Durov’s recent legal troubles in France, where he faces charges related to alleged complicity in distributing child sexual abuse materials through the app. The CEO’s arrest has intensified scrutiny on Telegram’s previous reluctance to cooperate with government requests, marking a departure from its longstanding reputation for lax content moderation and data protection. Previously, Telegram had been known for its non-compliance with takedown requests from various governments, often ignoring pleas for information regarding suspected criminal activities.
In a bid to enhance user safety, Telegram is also leveraging artificial intelligence and a dedicated team of moderators to filter out problematic content. Durov emphasized this move as part of a broader strategy to prevent the misuse of the platform and to align more closely with legal frameworks around the globe.
French prosecutors have implicated Durov, suggesting that he has been uncooperative with law enforcement agencies, which has further complicated his legal situation. The authorities allege that he has consistently refused to provide necessary data to aid in legal investigations, painting a picture of a CEO reluctant to aid those combating criminal activity on his platform.
Under Durov’s leadership, Telegram has often attracted criticism from various governments, ranging from the European Union to authoritarian regimes. The app has served as a communication tool for activists and protesters while also attracting extremist groups, including white supremacists in the U.S. who have used it to coordinate violent acts.
The recent changes in policy reflect the mounting pressure on Durov and his company. Earlier this month, the platform also disabled new media uploads to combat bots and scammers, a move Durov described as essential for maintaining the app’s integrity.
For further details, you can read the full article here.
