Telegram CEO Pavel Durov announced that the messaging platform will begin sharing users’ IP addresses and phone numbers with authorities in response to valid legal requests. This shift comes as the company grapples with increased scrutiny following a series of legal challenges.
Our terms of service have been updated to ensure Telegram is not a platform for illegal activities,” Durov said in a post on Telegram. This announcement follows his arrest in France last month, where he faces charges of alleged complicity in the spread of child sexual abuse materials on the platform. The charges have pushed the company to make sweeping changes to its operational policies.
For years, Telegram has been known for its resistance to government requests for user data, contributing to its popularity among activists and groups opposing authoritarian regimes. However, the company’s perceived inaction in curbing illegal activities has also attracted criminal elements to the platform, leading to mounting pressure from international authorities.
“Our aim is to create a safer environment without compromising the integrity of the platform,” Durov added. The company has introduced measures, such as using artificial intelligence and a dedicated team of moderators, to conceal problematic content from search results and reduce misuse.
The French legal case against Durov portrays him as the head of a platform that refused to cooperate with law enforcement, potentially allowing criminal activity to flourish. He has denied the charges and has been ordered to remain in France during the investigation.
Telegram’s Response to Growing Criticism
This policy change is one of several steps taken by Telegram in response to the backlash. Earlier this month, Telegram temporarily disabled new media uploads in an effort to stop bot accounts and scammers from misusing the platform. Durov stated that these moves are meant to balance user privacy with the necessity of combating illegal activity.
Telegram’s relationship with global governments has been contentious. In 2018, the Kremlin attempted to ban the app, only to reverse the decision two years later after failing to effectively enforce the ban. The Russian communications regulator acknowledged that Durov had indicated a willingness to cooperate on counter-extremism and anti-terrorism efforts.
Future Challenges for Telegram
While this policy shift may appease some critics, it risks alienating the platform’s core user base, many of whom joined Telegram due to its strong stance on privacy and freedom of speech. As Durov continues to navigate these complex legal and ethical landscapes, it remains to be seen how the changes will affect Telegram’s global user base and reputation.
For more on this story, visit the original article on Bloomberg https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-23/telegram-ceo-durov-says-app-to-provide-more-data-to-governments?srnd=phx-technology
