Telegram Implements New Moderation Policies Amid Legal Troubles
Pavel Durov, the co-founder of Telegram, has recently announced significant changes to the platform's terms of service and privacy policy in response to rising concerns over criminal activities on the messaging platform. In a message on his Telegram channel, Durov stated that the updated user agreement now allows for the sharing of IP addresses and phone numbers of users who violate Telegram's rules with appropriate authorities, following valid judicial requests. This marks a notable shift from Telegram's previous stance of protecting user data, which only permitted disclosure in cases of suspected terrorist activities.
Durov emphasized that the changes aim to make Telegram a safer platform, stating, "Searching on Telegram is for finding friends or news, not for promoting illegal things." This comes after a dedicated team of moderators has been employed to enhance the safety of the search function, utilizing artificial intelligence to identify and remove problematic content. Furthermore, a new clause in the privacy policy explicitly mentions that user data may be disclosed if a user is a suspect in a criminal case.
Legal Challenges and Enhanced Moderation Efforts
These policy changes occur amidst serious legal challenges faced by Durov in France, where he was detained earlier this summer and charged with multiple offenses, including complicity in the distribution of child pornography and drug trafficking. Following his indictment, he was placed under judicial supervision and is required to report to authorities twice a week while posting a bail of €5 million.
In light of these challenges, Durov has made efforts to improve Telegram's moderation capabilities. The introduction of a new feature, “Business Nearby,” aims to connect users with verified businesses, replacing the less popular “People Nearby” feature, which was often exploited by bots and scammers. Durov has also encouraged users to report any illegal or harmful content they encounter, reinforcing the platform's commitment to safety and compliance with legal standards.
