Telegram boss Pavel Durov announces that he will pass on user data such as telephone numbers and IP addresses of suspects to authorities upon official request.
Telegram, one of the world’s most popular messenger appshas been criticized for years because the platform is often used by criminals to conceal illegal activities. The service is considered particularly problematic when it comes to issues such as drug trafficking, fraud and child abuse. Until now, Telegram was considered difficult for authorities to access because the company was only willing to release user data if there was clear suspicion of terrorism.
Now Telegram founder Pavel Durov wants to change the practice. A new version of the privacy policy makes it clear that Telegram wants to cooperate more closely with law enforcement agencies in the future. In response to official requests from authorities, telephone numbers and IP addresses of users suspected of being involved in illegal activities will now be released. This change represents a significant change of course, as Durov has previously insisted on strictly protecting the privacy of his users.
New data protection guidelines in focus
The revision of the data protection guidelines marks a turning point in Telegram’s corporate policy. According to the new regulations, investigators should be able to obtain information about a user’s location by passing on the IP address. Telegram wants to prevent the platform from continuing to be seen as a safe haven for criminals, especially in the case of crimes such as the sale of illegal items.
However, this does not mean that authorities will have unrestricted access to user data. Requests must still be made through official channels and must be justified by the relevant suspicions. Nevertheless, the measure represents an important step to appease the growing criticism of Telegram and make the platform a safer environment.
Arrest of Pavel Durov in France
Another aspect that increased the pressure on Telegram and its founder was the temporary arrest of Pavel Durov in August this year in France, as NextG.tv reported. The Russian billionaire was released on bail after several days, but the accusation of lack of cooperation with law enforcement is serious. He is accused of failing to adequately respond to requests for information about drug trafficking, fraud and child abuse in the past. The latest announcement could be a response to these allegations and be seen as an attempt to avoid legal consequences in the future.
Consequences for users
The announcement raises questions about how this new policy will affect Telegram’s user base. The service has been particularly popular with people who value privacy and anonymity. It remains to be seen whether the new regulations will lead to a loss of trust or whether users will accept the changes, as they are primarily aimed at combating criminal activity.
Telegram, which recently removed the controversial “People Nearby” feature, remains caught between protecting privacy and the need to adhere more closely to legal requirements. In any case, the service will be under close observation in the future – both by its users and by authorities around the world.
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