Telegram, lengthy identified for its strict privateness stance, will now present person IP addresses and cellphone numbers to authorities in response to authorized requests, Bloomberg Information reported Sept. 23.
In line with the report, CEO Pavel Durov introduced the change to the platform’s phrases and circumstances. The transfer is a significant shift for the messaging platform, which has been criticized by authorities for allegedly being unresponsive to requests for person info, notably in prison investigations.
Together with the coverage replace, Telegram is rolling out new moderation instruments, together with synthetic intelligence (AI) and human moderators, to assist determine and take away inappropriate content material from the platform. Durov additionally urged customers to report unlawful or dangerous content material to make sure it’s promptly addressed.
Regardless of these modifications, Telegram customers nonetheless have entry to varied privateness options, equivalent to end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, and the power to make use of the platform with out a SIM card. The corporate continues to emphasise that, thus far, no person messages have been disclosed to 3rd events, together with authorities authorities.
The potential influence of this new strategy on the platform’s recognition, notably amongst these engaged in illicit actions, stays unsure.
Durov’s authorized points
Durov’s announcement comes as he faces authorized problems with his personal after French authorities arrested him in late August as a part of an ongoing investigation involving 12 prison fees, together with allegations of drug trafficking, youngster exploitation, and cash laundering.
He was launched after 96 hours of custody, which is the utmost interval allowed underneath French legislation, and positioned underneath judicial supervision. As a part of the circumstances, Durov was required to publish a €6 million bail, stay in France, and report back to the police twice per week.
Durov has denied the costs, and Telegram maintains that it complies with European legal guidelines, together with the Digital Providers Act. The corporate has additionally emphasised that the platform’s moderation is bettering, although it has confronted criticism for allegedly permitting prison actions on its platform.
The arrest sparked reactions from numerous political and tech trade leaders, with some speculating that it was a politically motivated assault on Durov and Telegram. Nonetheless, French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed any political motive behind the arrest and mentioned it was a part of an ongoing judicial investigation.