According to CoinDesk, the messaging app Telegram recently made significant changes to its terms of service, as announced by CEO Pavel Durov on Monday. Telegram’s search function is more powerful than other messaging apps because it allows users to find public channels and bots. However, this feature has been abused by some individuals who violate the terms of service to sell illegal goods. As a result, the app’s privacy policy now stipulates that Telegram will share users’ IP addresses and phone numbers with law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations.
In the announcement, Pavel Durov wrote, “In order to further prevent criminals from abusing Telegram search, we have updated our terms of service and privacy policy to ensure consistency worldwide. We have made it clear that IP addresses and phone numbers of those who violate our rules can be disclosed to relevant authorities upon lawful requests.”
Additionally, Telegram is also using artificial intelligence and a dedicated moderation team to gradually filter and hide problematic content in its search results.
These changes come after Pavel Durov’s arrest in France last month, when authorities accused his company of allowing users to engage in illegal activities through the app, including drug trafficking, distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and fraud. The 39-year-old CEO has denied all allegations and is currently released on bail but ordered to remain in France until the investigation is concluded.
Following his arrest, Pavel Durov promised to make changes and stated in the app, “Finding the right balance between privacy and security is not easy.” These changes differ significantly from the app’s previous assumptions, as the previous terms only allowed sharing of this information when users were suspected of being terrorists.
