Telegram changed its policy and will provide its users’ data to the authorities.
The arrest of the CEO Pavel Durov in France continues to have consequences.
It’s a historic change for the app. Goodbye to government resistance.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has announced a radical change to his platform’s privacy policy. The messaging app will provide data about its users, such as phone numbers and IP addresses, to authorities with a legal request.
Why it matters. The move marks the end of an era for Telegram, known for its resistance to government demands for user privacy.
The decision comes at a sensitive time for the company, which is under increasing legal pressure and accused of facilitating massive illegal activity.
The context. Durov was arrested in France in August and accused of being complicit in the distribution of pedophilic material. The CEO denied all 12 charges but must remain in that country for the investigation. He has been a French citizen since 2021 but lives in Dubai.
The incident prompted several changes to Telegram’s policies, including technical measures to combat certain types of bots and scams. It also clarified how to report inappropriate content and banned users from uploading images and videos to Telegraph.
Behind the scenes. Telegram is implementing new moderation policies and using AI and human moderators to hide problematic content in search results.
It’s a significant change for an app criticized in the past for lax moderation. It also ignored requests from authorities for information about suspects, which some say turned it into the new deep web.
In perspective. Telegram has become a relevant platform in the digital landscape. Many use the app, from protesters trying to organize a resistance against authoritarian regimes and extremists to conspiracy theorists.
In 2018, Russia tried to block it for not providing data to the government. This attempt was unsuccessful, and two years later, the government removed the ban.
In detail. Telegram’s turnaround reveals a global trend toward greater regulation of messaging and communication platforms.
It also reminds users of the delicate balance between privacy and security. Those who prioritize privacy see the change in stance as a minor defeat. Those who favor security see it as a victory for government control.
Image | Eyestetix Studio (Unsplash)
Related | The Best Alternatives to Telegram if You’re Looking for Private or Well-Moderated Messaging Apps
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