Telegram will now provide user IP addresses and phone numbers to authorities when valid legal requests are made, as announced by CEO Pavel Durov.
This change reflects a new approach aimed at mitigating the abuse of the popular messaging app, which has been criticized for its leniency towards criminal activities.
Durov shared the update in a post on Telegram this past Monday, highlighting the revised terms of service designed to deter illegal usage of the platform. This move comes on the heels of Durov’s recent arrest in France, where he faces allegations related to the dissemination of child sexual abuse materials.
This policy change marks a stark departure from Telegram’s previous stance regarding governmental data requests. Historically, the platform, which operates out of the United Arab Emirates, has been notorious for its lack of compliance with takedown requests from authorities worldwide, often disregarding pleas for information on suspected criminal activities.
Durov Faces Serious Charges in France Over Data Privacy Issues
In August, French prosecutors charged the Russian-born Durov under suspicions of complicity in organized crime linked to activity on the app. The case paints a troubling picture of a CEO whose company has allegedly obstructed law enforcement efforts by withholding critical data needed for legal investigations and wiretaps related to suspected criminals.
Currently, Durov is mandated to remain in France as authorities conduct their investigation. Amid these allegations, he firmly denies any wrongdoing.
In an effort to enhance content moderation, Telegram has also deployed Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a dedicated team of moderators to filter out problematic content from search results, seeking to protect against misuse of the platform.
Telegram’s Complex Relationship with Global Governance and Extremism
Durov’s leadership has often put him at odds with governments ranging from the European Union to authoritarian nations like Russia and Iran. Over the years, Telegram has been a favored tool for activists organizing protests against oppressive regimes, but it has also become a gathering place for conspiracy theorists and extremist groups. In particular, U.S.-based white supremacists have used the platform to orchestrate attacks against critical infrastructure.
The Kremlin made an attempt to block Telegram in 2018, but this ban was reversed within two years after regulatory failures to enforce it. Following the retraction of the ban, Russian authorities indicated Durov had committed to combating extremism and terrorism.
In the wake of Durov’s arrest and growing scrutiny, Telegram has implemented several policy reforms. Earlier this month, the platform disabled new media uploads, aiming to curb the activities of bots and scammers that have proliferated on its network.
