- Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov announced that the messaging platform will now share user details with authorities for those who violate the app’s rules, following Durov’s arrest by French authorities last month.
- Telegram is using AI to block the ability to search for illicit goods and activities, and users who still try to share illegal content could have their IP addresses and phone numbers passed to authorities.
- The move comes after allegations that Telegram allowed illegal material to be shared on the platform and was unresponsive to law enforcement requests, as well as allegations that Durov used certain cryptography in France without permission.
Recently, Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov announced that the messaging platform will now share user details with authorities in response to valid legal requests. This comes after Durov’s own arrest by French authorities last month due to Telegram’s lack of cooperation over alleged illicit activities on the platform.
Durov Announces Policy Changes
Durov said in a post on Telegram that the company has updated its terms of service and is actively blocking problematic content from showing up in Telegram’s search feature. He stated that the IP addresses and phone numbers of those who violate Telegram’s rules can now be disclosed to authorities.
The Telegram team is also utilizing artificial intelligence to make Telegram search much safer. As a result, illicit goods and activities no longer appear in search results.
Background on Durov’s Arrest
French authorities arrested Durov last month, alleging that Telegram was complicit in allowing illegal material on the platform and unresponsive to law enforcement. Durov paid a $5 million bond to be released but remains under judicial supervision in France.
French authorities also alleged Durov is under investigation for using certain cryptography on Telegram without permission.
Criminals and Fraudsters on Telegram
Durov prides Telegram on being private, but criminals and fraudsters have allegedly flocked to the platform to sell drugs, push crypto scams, or share child abuse images. Telegram has nearly one billion users globally.
Telegram’s Embrace of Crypto
Over the past year, Telegram has gained traction in crypto by supporting blockchain network TON. TON powers popular crypto games on Telegram and the platform itself has increasingly utilized TON. For example, to pay channel operators via the Stars in-app currency.
Conclusion
While Telegram aims to be a private messaging platform, its lack of moderation has attracted illegal activities. Durov’s arrest and policy changes show Telegram attempting to better respond to authorities while still supporting encryption. However, challenges remain in balancing privacy and censorship resistance with cracking down on crime.
