Telegram has recently made a significant update to its privacy policy, sparking concerns among its user base. The messaging app now plans to share user data with authorities in response to valid legal requests, raising alarms for those who value privacy.
In an announcement made on September 23, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov revealed that the app will share users’ IP addresses and phone numbers if they violate the platform’s rules. This move has drawn criticism for contradicting the core privacy principles on which Telegram was founded. Anndy Lian, an author and blockchain expert, highlighted this issue, stating:
“This highlights the ongoing tension between regulatory compliance and the protection of user data… Such compliance could set a precedent, encouraging other privacy-focused services to follow suit, thereby eroding the privacy standards that users have come to expect.”
This policy update represents a major shift in Telegram’s user guidelines, aimed at addressing concerns about the platform’s potential misuse for illegal activities. The change came on August 24, just a month after Durov faced arrest in France, adding to the urgency for the app to bolster its regulatory compliance.
Despite the privacy concerns, Durov has emphasized that the primary goal of the new policy is to curb criminal activity on Telegram. In a bid to enhance safety, the app has introduced artificial intelligence algorithms and human moderators to eliminate problematic content from Telegram Search. Durov stated:
“These measures should discourage criminals. Telegram Search is meant for finding friends and discovering news, not for promoting illegal goods. We won’t let bad actors jeopardize the integrity of our platform for almost a billion users.”
A Broader Trend Among Messaging Apps
While Telegram’s updated policy may surprise some, it aligns with a broader trend among major messaging applications. WhatsApp, for instance, is known for sharing user data with law enforcement, particularly in emergencies where there’s a risk of serious physical injury. Similarly, Meta’s Messenger has a track record of complying with requests from authorities, having fulfilled over 301,000 requests since July 2013.
As Telegram joins the ranks of messaging apps sharing user data with authorities, users must grapple with the implications for their privacy. While the intention may be to enhance safety and deter criminal activity, the potential erosion of privacy standards is a significant concern. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, users will need to stay informed and vigilant about their data privacy.
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