In a surprising shift, Telegram, once seen as a stronghold of privacy and non-cooperation with authorities, has announced significant changes to its data-sharing policies. Known for its encrypted messaging and strict privacy stance, Telegram has long been criticized for being a platform that shields users engaged in illegal activities.
However, recent developments suggest that the company may be bowing to increasing government pressure, particularly following the arrest of its CEO, Pavel Durov, in France. This shift could signal a major change for the platform and its millions of users.
A New Approach to Data Sharing
The core of Telegram’s recent changes lies in how the platform will now handle users’ personal data. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov announced that the company will begin sharing the IP addresses and phone numbers of users who are found to be violating the platform’s rules. This data will be shared with authorities in response to valid legal requests.
This move comes as a stark departure from Telegram’s previous stance, where it only complied with such requests under very limited circumstances, particularly involving terrorism. Durov’s announcement stressed that Telegram’s privacy features remain intact for law-abiding users but warned that those using the platform for illegal activities will no longer enjoy the same level of protection.
Telegram’s updated policy reflects an ongoing struggle between protecting user privacy and complying with legal obligations. With an ever-growing user base, Telegram has faced mounting pressure to address the misuse of its platform for criminal purposes.
Durov acknowledged this in his statement, noting that Telegram’s rapid growth, which now stands at nearly 950 million users, has also led to a rise in criminal activities on the platform. The platform’s unique selling point – encrypted messages and the non-disclosure of phone numbers – has made it an attractive option for not only ordinary users but also fraudsters, scammers, and extremists.
Moderator Crackdown on Problematic Content
In addition to the changes in data sharing, Telegram has also initiated a major crackdown on content deemed problematic. A team of moderators has been tasked with removing search results linked to illegal activities.
Telegram Search, a feature intended to help users find friends and discover news, had reportedly been misused by individuals promoting illegal goods and services. The use of AI tools to help identify and remove illegal content represents another step in Telegram’s attempt to clean up its platform.
Durov emphasized that Telegram Search should be used for its intended purposes and not as a tool for criminal activity. The platform is working to ensure that its features cannot be exploited for illicit purposes, a concern that has long plagued the company.
Telegram’s Struggle with Privacy and Crime
Telegram’s reputation has long been a double-edged sword. On one hand, its encryption and privacy features have made it a haven for users seeking secure communication. On the other hand, these same features have made the platform attractive to criminal elements.
Telegram’s Pavel Durov will now provide users’ IP addresses, phone numbers, and other details to relevant authorities in response to legal requests.. pic.twitter.com/oOCigjQHNM
— Adjusted55 (@BillPrinter00) September 23, 2024
Over the years, Telegram has faced accusations of harboring ISIS-affiliated channels, far-right groups, and criminal organizations that exploit the platform’s lax content moderation policies.
These accusations came to a head with Durov’s arrest in France in August 2024. French authorities charged Durov with facilitating illegal activities on Telegram, including drug trafficking and money laundering. Although he was released on bail, Durov remains under investigation, and the pressure on Telegram to address these issues has intensified.
While Durov has maintained that Telegram should not be held responsible for the actions of its users, his arrest appears to have prompted a reevaluation of the platform’s policies. In his most recent statement, Durov admitted that Telegram’s rapid growth had led to increased abuse by criminals, and he vowed to take personal responsibility for addressing these problems.
A Major Shift in Policy
Telegram’s new stance on cooperating with authorities marks a significant policy change. In the past, Telegram had resisted sharing user data, even in cases involving terrorism. The company had always positioned itself as a privacy-first platform, reluctant to break its strict confidentiality rules.
However, with growing scrutiny from governments and law enforcement agencies worldwide, it seems Telegram can no longer afford to maintain this position.
🚨 Telegram Privacy Update Sparks Concerns 🚨
Telegram’s new policy allows sharing user data like IP addresses with authorities. This change is raising privacy concerns, especially given Telegram's stance on data protection.#Telegram #Privacy #News pic.twitter.com/4kDMDVBX8N
— Ricards (@Ricardswo) September 24, 2024
The revised Terms of Service make it clear that Telegram will now disclose user data in response to legal requests, provided that the company’s legal team deems the requests valid. This is a marked departure from Telegram’s earlier approach, which was much more selective in responding to such requests.
Pavel @durov announced that Telegram has updated its privacy policy and will now disclose IP addresses and phone numbers at the request of law enforcement if the platform’s rules are violated. Telegram has also improved its AI search system, limiting the inappropriate content. pic.twitter.com/8SuYaQQHjI
— PRO BLOCKCHAIN (@PRO_BLOCKCHAIN) September 24, 2024
The company also announced plans to release quarterly transparency reports detailing all instances in which user data was shared with authorities.
While this change is likely to be welcomed by governments and law enforcement, it could alienate some of Telegram’s users, particularly those who joined the platform precisely because of its privacy features. For those users, Telegram’s decision to cooperate with authorities might feel like a betrayal of the platform’s founding principles.
