Telegram has announced a significant policy shift, stating it will now provide user IP addresses and phone numbers to authorities in response to valid legal requests. CEO Pavel Durov emphasized that this change aims to deter criminal activity on the platform, which serves nearly a billion users worldwide. While he noted that 99.999% of users are not involved in crime, the actions of a mere 0.001% tarnish the platform's reputation.
This announcement follows Durov's recent arrest in France, where he faced accusations of enabling criminal activities on Telegram. Critics have long claimed that the platform has become a haven for misinformation, child exploitation, and extremist content due to its large group sizes, allowing up to 200,000 members.
The policy change raises concerns about user safety, particularly among political dissidents who previously viewed Telegram as a secure platform for free expression. John Scott-Railton from Citizen Lab highlighted that many users are now questioning whether Telegram will cooperate with repressive regimes.
In addition to sharing user data, Telegram is implementing a dedicated team of moderators using artificial intelligence to filter out problematic content. However, experts argue that these measures may not satisfy legal requirements in various jurisdictions, as the platform's moderation capabilities have historically lagged behind competitors.
As Telegram adjusts its policies, the implications for user privacy and the future of secure communication remain uncertain, particularly in light of ongoing investigations and Durov's legal troubles.