The messaging application Telegram has declared that it will share users’ IP addresses and phone numbers with authorities that present valid legal requests, such as search warrants.
This update to its terms of service and privacy policy aims to deter criminal behavior on the platform. CEO Pavel Durov stated in a Telegram post that this move should discourage illegal activities.
Durov emphasized that while the vast majority of Telegram users are law-abiding, a small fraction involved in criminal activities tarnishes the platform’s reputation and jeopardizes the interests of nearly a billion users. This announcement represents a notable shift for Durov, who was recently detained by French authorities at an airport near Paris.
Following his arrest, Durov faced charges of facilitating criminal activities on Telegram. These allegations include complicity in the distribution of child abuse images and drug trafficking, along with accusations of failing to comply with law enforcement requests. Durov has denied all charges and criticized the authorities for holding him accountable for crimes committed by others on the platform.
Critics argue that Telegram has become a breeding ground for misinformation, child pornography, and extremist content, partly due to its policy allowing groups to have as many as 200,000 members. In contrast, Meta-owned WhatsApp restricts group sizes to 1,000, which some believe helps limit the spread of harmful content.
Last month, Telegram faced scrutiny for hosting far-right channels linked to violence in various English cities. In response to these concerns, Ukraine recently banned the app on state-issued devices to reduce risks associated with Russian influence.
Durov’s arrest has ignited discussions about the future of free-speech protections online. Many users are now questioning whether Telegram remains a secure platform for political dissidents, raising concerns about the implications of increased surveillance and compliance with law enforcement.
As the situation unfolds, the balance between user privacy and the need for safety continues to be a contentious issue, with many watching closely to see how Telegram navigates these challenges in the coming months.
