Pavel Durov, Telegram’s CEO, has introduced a change in the messaging app’s security and privacy policy, which includes handing over IP addresses and user numbers to authorities upon request.
In an update to Telegram’s terms of service, he announced that it will now hand over information to authorities who present legitimate legal requests, such as search warrants. This policy change marks an important development for the platform, which has built its reputation on robust privacy features.
Telegram’s updated terms of service now include a new section (8.3) under “Law Enforcement Agencies.” It states:
If Telegram receives a valid warrant from relevant judicial authorities confirming that you are a suspect in a case involving criminal activities in violation of Telegram’s Terms of Service, we will conduct a legal analysis of the request and may disclose your IP address and phone number to the relevant authorities. If any data is shared, we will include such incidents in the quarterly transparency report published at: https://t.me/transparency. Telegram – (8.3) under “Law Enforcement Agencies”.
Telegram has previously positioned itself as a strong advocate of user privacy and security. The platform, which has more than 700 million active users, was often seen as a haven for those seeking encrypted communications free from government surveillance.
However, the new policy suggests that Telegram is now willing to cooperate with law enforcement under certain conditions.
Telegram CEO’s arrest, end of an era immune to censorship
Durov was arrested at an airport on the outskirts of Paris , France, on August 24. The Russian billionaire was charged with a number of crimes, including complicity in drug trafficking, distribution of child pornography, fraud, money laundering and illegal provision of crypto services. Since Durov’s release, Telegram has struggled with pressure from governments to share user data.
Daria Lysenko, a cryptocurrency lawyer with the SBSB law firm, recently said that the regulatory environment is changing, and technology companies such as Telegram may be forced to comply with government demands to share users’ private information.
Since Durov’s arrest, there has been a huge debate about freedom of speech. Meredith Whittaker, president of the U.S.-based social network Signal, which focuses on privacy, said Durov’s arrest shows that technology companies are “facing a very volatile geopolitical environment,” Wired reported .
