Telegram, long known for its strict privacy and anti-censorship stance, has now reversed course and will now provide users' IP addresses and phone numbers to authorities when legally required.

CEO Pavel Durov announced the change in the platform's terms and conditions. The move marks a major shift for the messaging app, which has been criticized by regulators for failing to respond to requests for user information, particularly during criminal investigations.

Pavel Durov's Telegram Policy Change Announcement

Along with the policy update, Telegram also rolled out new moderation tools, including artificial intelligence (AI) and human moderators, to help identify and remove inappropriate content from the platform. Durov also urged users to report illegal or harmful content to ensure it is addressed promptly.

Despite these changes, Telegram users will still be able to take advantage of various security features like end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and the ability to use the platform without a SIM card. The company stressed that, to date, no user messages have been disclosed to third parties, including government agencies.

The potential impact of this new approach on the platform's popularity, especially among those engaged in illegal activities, remains unclear.

Durov's legal issues

Durov's announcement comes as he faces personal legal issues after French authorities arrested him in late August as part of an ongoing investigation into 12 criminal charges, including allegations of drug trafficking, child abuse and money laundering.

He was released after 96 hours in custody, the maximum time under French law, and is now under court supervision. Under the terms of his supervision, Durov must post bail of €6 million, remain in France and report to police twice a week.

Durov has denied the allegations, and Telegram has maintained that it complies with European laws, including the Digital Services Act. The company has also stressed that moderation on the platform is improving, despite criticism that it has allowed criminal activity to take place on its platform.

Durov’s arrest has drawn widespread reactions from political and tech industry leaders, with some suggesting it could be a politically motivated attack on Durov and Telegram. However, French President Emmanuel Macron has dismissed any political motive behind the arrest, saying it is just part of an ongoing judicial investigation.

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