Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has announced substantial changes to the messaging platform’s policies, signaling a shift away from its previous stance as a haven for those seeking to avoid government scrutiny.
The update to Telegram’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy is making waves due to its long-standing position on user privacy and data protection.
Key Changes in Telegram’s Policies
The most notable change in Telegram’s terms is the broadening of circumstances under which user data may be shared with authorities.
Previously, the platform’s policy stated that IP addresses and phone numbers would only be disclosed in cases involving terror suspects. The updated terms allow the sharing of this information in a wider range of criminal investigations.
Durov stated, “We’ve made it clear that the IP addresses and phone numbers of those who violate our rules can be disclosed to relevant authorities in response to valid legal requests.” This represents a significant shift for a platform that has long prided itself on its resistance to government surveillance and investigations.
Increased Content Moderation Efforts
In addition to the policy changes, Durov outlined Telegram’s intensified efforts to moderate content on the platform.
A team of moderators, supported by AI tools, has been tasked with identifying and blocking illegal content discoverable through Telegram’s search function.
This initiative addresses concerns about the platform being used to share and discuss illicit materials.
Possible Catalysts for Policy Shift
The timing of these changes is noteworthy, coming shortly after Durov’s arrest in France in August.
The Telegram CEO was charged with failing to cooperate with French law enforcement and allowing the use of his platform to facilitate various criminal activities, including drug trading, child sex abuse material distribution, and online harassment.
Following his release on a €5 million bail, with restrictions on leaving France, Telegram’s policy shifts suggest a potential response to mounting legal pressures.
The platform’s quick action to curb deepfake porn content in South Korea, following the country’s regulators seeking advice from France, further indicates a new willingness to address content moderation issues proactively.
While Telegram continues to offer end-to-end encryption through its “secret chat” feature, this level of protection is not enabled by default for all communications.
The platform’s new stance on cooperating with law enforcement in criminal investigations may raise concerns among users who valued Telegram for its previously strong stance on privacy.
Industry Trends and Comparisons
Telegram’s policy shift mirrors similar moves by other privacy-focused platforms. ProtonMail, for instance, updated its terms and conditions in 2021 after complying with a request to share a user’s IP address with authorities, leading to the arrest of a French climate activist.
