2024-09-25 05:15:37
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has announced that the messaging platform will now share user information, such as phone numbers and IP addresses, with law enforcement agencies when users are suspected of engaging in illegal activities. The change comes after Durov’s arrest last month by French authorities, who accused Telegram of not cooperating with investigations into illegal activities. Durov informed that Telegram has updated its terms of service in accordance with these changes. One major update is that the company has decided to prevent users from searching for illegal items or content through Telegram’s search feature. If a user tries to access or share illegal content, Telegram will share their phone number and IP address with authorities if legally required.
Durov emphasized that Telegram’s search feature is intended to help users find friends or discover news, not to detect or promote illegal activities. To support this change, the platform is using artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure that problematic content such as drugs, fraud, or child abuse images cannot be discovered through the search bar.
For ordinary users, as long as they are using the app for legal tasks like messaging friends, joining groups, or following news channels, these changes won’t have much of an impact. However, for those who are involved in illegal activities, the consequences could be severe. If a user tries to access or distribute illegal content, their personal information, including their phone number and IP address, can now be handed over to law enforcement agencies in response to valid legal requests.
The use of AI for search also indicates that Telegram is trying to keep the platform safe for all users. Problematic content will no longer appear in search results, making it harder for criminals to abuse the platform.
Durov’s arrest in France was primarily about Telegram’s failure to cooperate with law enforcement regarding illegal content. French authorities claimed that Telegram did not take sufficient action by allowing illegal content to be distributed. They also accused Durov of using certain encryption methods in France without permission.