Telegram, one of the most widely used messaging platforms, has made a significant move by agreeing to share user information with law enforcement agencies. This decision comes after the platform’s founder, Pavel Durov, was briefly detained in France, a development that caused quite a stir in the tech world. Although Durov was eventually released, he had to make certain concessions.
The French government took action against Durov, criticizing Telegram for not taking sufficient measures to combat illegal activities such as money laundering and fraud. The platform’s leniency regarding content censorship and its perceived lack of action in preventing criminal activities became a point of contention for government agencies. As a result, Telegram decided to implement major changes.
Private Chats to Be Moderated
Initially, it was reported that Durov had agreed to allow moderation of private chats on Telegram, a move seen as a significant shift from the platform’s core focus on privacy and freedom. However, the French government demanded further transparency and control.
Now, Telegram has decided to provide law enforcement with users’ IP addresses and phone numbers, enabling authorities to track illegal activities more effectively. Additionally, problematic and illegal content will be removed from search results. Durov has also urged users to report unsafe and illegal content to the platform’s moderation team as part of these new measures.
End-to-End Encryption Remains Intact
Despite these changes, Telegram has emphasized that its end-to-end encryption system remains untouched. Durov reassured users that their private messages would not be shared with law enforcement. However, the decision to start sharing IP addresses and phone numbers marks a significant shift in Telegram’s privacy policies.
These developments raise questions about whether Telegram might experience a decline in its user base in the long run. Privacy-conscious users, in particular, will be watching closely to see how the platform’s new policies unfold.