Telegram, the popular messaging app, made an announcement regarding its new data sharing policy with authorities. The CEO, Pavel Durov, stated that the platform will now hand over users’ IP addresses and phone numbers to authorities with valid legal requests. This change aims to deter criminals from using the platform, as a small percentage of users engage in illicit activities, tarnishing the image of the entire platform and jeopardizing the security of almost a billion users.
This decision represents a significant shift for Mr. Durov, who was recently detained by French authorities on charges of enabling criminal activities on the platform, including the spread of child abuse images and drug trafficking. Despite denying the allegations, Mr. Durov faced criticism for failing to comply with law enforcement and enabling illegal content on Telegram.
Critics argue that Telegram has become a hub for misinformation, child pornography, and terror-related content due to its group size limit of 200,000 members, which exceeds Meta-owned WhatsApp’s limit of 1,000. The platform faced scrutiny for hosting far-right channels that incited violence in English cities, leading Ukraine to ban the app on state-issued devices to mitigate threats from Russia.
The arrest of Mr. Durov has sparked concerns about the platform’s commitment to free-speech protections, particularly for political dissidents in repressive regimes. Many users who sought a safe space to share their views in countries like Russia, Belarus, and the Middle East are now questioning whether Telegram will cooperate with authorities in such regimes following the new policy change.
Despite introducing a team of moderators and leveraging artificial intelligence to filter problematic content, cybersecurity experts note that Telegram’s moderation system is weaker compared to other social media platforms. While the platform previously only shared information on terror suspects, the new policy raises questions about its compliance with French and European laws regarding illegal content removal and reporting.
Daphne Keller from Stanford University’s Center for Internet and Society emphasized the importance of Telegram’s commitment to removing illegal content recognized by employees and notifying authorities about specific types of prohibited material. However, she raised doubts about whether these measures would satisfy law enforcement agencies seeking detailed information about suspects and their communication activities.
Overall, Telegram’s new data sharing policy with authorities signifies a complex balance between user privacy, security, and law enforcement requirements. As the platform navigates these challenges, users and experts are closely monitoring how Telegram will uphold its commitment to protecting user data while addressing concerns about illegal content and cooperation with authorities.