Telegram to share user data with authorities
The policy shift follows the arrest of CEO Pavel Durov in France, where he faces charges related to child sexual abuse materials on the app.
Telegram apparently decided to alleviate its policy restrictions and to provide users’ IP addresses and phone numbers to authorities in response to valid legal requests. The shift in policy, announced by CEO Pavel Durov, marks a significant change for the platform, which has long been known for its resistance to government data demands. The update comes in the wake of Durov’s recent legal troubles in France, where he is facing charges related to the spread of child abuse materials on the platform.
Durov, under investigation since his arrest in France last month, says the new measures are part of broader efforts to deter criminal activity on Telegram. Historically, Telegram has been criticised for its lax approach to moderation, often ignoring government requests to remove illegal content or share information on suspected criminals. Now, with AI and human moderators, the app conceals problematic content from search results.
The case against Durov has intensified scrutiny of Telegram’s role in facilitating illegal activities. French authorities have accused Durov of refusing to cooperate with law enforcement by not providing data for wiretaps related to criminal investigations. Durov denies the charges despite these accusations and has remained in France in the inquiry.
Why does this matter?
Telegram has long been a tool for activists and dissidents, especially in countries like Russia and Iran, where it has been used to challenge authoritarian regimes. However, the platform has also attracted extremists, conspiracy theorists, and white supremacists. In some cases, Telegram has been used to coordinate real-world attacks, leading to mounting pressure on the company to take greater responsibility.
In response to these challenges, Telegram has introduced several policy changes. Earlier this month, the platform disabled new media uploads to combat bots and scammers. These moves signal a new chapter for Telegram as it navigates the delicate balance between privacy, free speech, and public safety.
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