According to recent reports, Telegram has announced a significant shift in its privacy policy, agreeing to share users’ IP addresses and phone numbers with authorities in response to valid legal requests, marking a departure from its previous stance on user data protection.
Telegram’s Privacy Policy Changes
The messaging platform’s updated terms of service now explicitly state that user data may be disclosed to relevant authorities if a valid court order confirms criminal activities violating Telegram’s rules. This change applies to IP addresses and phone numbers of suspected users. The policy shift represents a significant departure from Telegram’s previous approach, which only allowed disclosure of data for terror suspects. CEO Pavel Durov announced these changes in a post on the platform, emphasizing the company’s intent to deter criminal abuse while maintaining its commitment to user privacy.
Reasons Behind Policy Shift
The recent policy shift by Telegram can be attributed to several key factors, primarily stemming from legal pressures and the platform’s growing association with criminal activities. Here are the main reasons behind Telegram’s decision to cooperate with authorities:
- Arrest of CEO Pavel Durov: Durov’s detention in France over allegations of the company turning a blind eye to crimes on the platform was a significant catalyst for change.
- Criminal activities on the platform: Telegram had become a haven for various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, child pornography, and money laundering.
- Government pressure: The platform has faced increasing scrutiny from governments worldwide, including the European Union and authoritarian regimes in Russia and Iran.
- National security concerns: Some countries, like Ukraine, have banned Telegram’s use by government officials and military personnel due to security issues.
- Legal compliance: The new policy aims to bring Telegram in line with legal requirements and improve its standing with law enforcement agencies globally.
Implementation and Transparency Measures
Telegram’s new policy includes measures to ensure transparency and accountability in its implementation. The company has committed to publishing quarterly transparency reports detailing any instances of user data disclosure to authorities. To maintain user trust, Telegram emphasizes that it will perform a legal analysis of each request before potentially sharing information.
Additionally, the platform has begun using artificial intelligence and a team of moderators to proactively conceal problematic content from search results, aiming to prevent misuse without compromising user privacy. These steps demonstrate Telegram’s attempt to balance cooperation with law enforcement and its long-standing commitment to user privacy.
Source: Perplexity
