Telegram, the widely popular messaging platform, recently updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Pavel Durov, the platform’s founder, announced the changes that would expand the conditions under which Telegram may share user data with authorities. While this shift might raise concerns, it’s important to understand the context and limitations behind these changes, particularly Durov’s consistent commitment to user privacy and platform integrity.
What’s New in Telegram’s Privacy Policy?
The updated policy, specifically Paragraph 8.3, allows for sharing IP addresses and phone numbers with authorities under specific circumstances. Telegram will respond to legitimate court orders, not only for cases involving terrorism, as was previously the case, but also for crimes such as spam, fraud, violence promotion, pornography, child abuse, arms trafficking, and drug trafficking. This broadening of the policy reflects a shift toward tackling criminal activity more comprehensively on the platform.
The policy now explicitly includes “participation in activities recognized as illegal in most countries,” further enhancing Telegram’s global responsibility in combating illicit content.
A Global Change with Local Implications
Durov clarified that these new rules will apply in all regions where Telegram operates, creating a unified approach to handling criminal activity. However, legal experts, such as Sarkis Darbinyan from Roskomsvoboda, have raised questions about how Telegram will manage requests from authoritarian countries like Iran, China, or Russia. Historically, Telegram has resisted such countries’ demands for user data, favouring privacy and freedom of expression.
Darbinyan suggests that while these updates might help mitigate legal pressures in countries like France, there’s still a “significant risk” that authorities in more restrictive countries could attempt to leverage these rules to force Telegram into sharing user data.
Balancing Privacy vs. Security
Journalist Andrei Zakharov highlights another concern: the resources available to Telegram. With a team of just 50 people, including 30 developers, enforcing stricter moderation and responding to data requests could strain the company’s capacity. Durov has always positioned Telegram as a platform for free communication, and while tackling illegal activity is crucial, the financial and operational burden of enhancing moderation is not insignificant.
Despite these challenges, Durov’s approach reflects a balanced stance between protecting users and maintaining Telegram’s integrity. He has repeatedly emphasized that Telegram’s search features are designed for finding friends and information, not for promoting illegal activities. As part of the update, the platform has already blocked problematic content detected by artificial intelligence (AI) and continues to work on improving its safety measures.
Durov’s Trust in Users Remains Unshaken
While Telegram’s new Privacy Policy gives the company the ability to share user data under specific legal circumstances, this does not reflect a mistrust of its users. Instead, the changes are designed to protect the integrity of the platform and ensure that it is not misused for criminal purposes. Durov remains committed to his principles of privacy and security, navigating the fine line between meeting legal requirements and preserving Telegram as a free, trusted platform for its nearly one billion users.
These policy changes are necessary for combating illegal activities, but Durov’s dedication to user privacy is evident. He continues to maintain a strong stance against unjust government overreach, ensuring that the platform remains a safe space for genuine communication.