Messaging platform Telegram has decided to share users’ IP addresses and phone numbers with authorities.
This decision was announced by CEO Pavel Durov after his arrest in France. Durov is facing charges of complicity in the spread of child pornography on the platform.
Durov faces backlash as Telegram struggles with legal demands
Telegram has updated its terms of service to include compliance with legal requests.
The platform is often criticized for being uncooperative with governments. It has been a refuge for people who want to avoid the law.
In the past, Telegram repeatedly refused to provide user information or take down content. This made it a target for law enforcement agencies worldwide.
In August, French prosecutors claimed Telegram had become a breeding ground for criminal activity, including the distribution of child sexual abuse content.
The charges are serious and hold Durov as someone who ignored law enforcement while criminals took advantage of the platform’s lax moderation.
After his arrest, Durov was ordered to remain in France for the investigation. His legal troubles have led to many changes in how Telegram operates.
Recently, the app disabled new media uploads, which Durov said was an effort to stop bots and scammers.
Telegram has been used by all kinds of groups, from protestors to conspiracy theorists, to plan activities without fear of government surveillance.
For example, white supremacist groups in the U.S. have used the app to organize attacks on power grids.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin tried to block Telegram in 2018 but failed, lifting the ban two years later when they claimed Durov would help fight extremism.
The platform is also facing challenges in Ukraine. The Ukrainian government has banned it on official devices used by government and military personnel.
The Rnbo claims that Telegram is being used by the enemy for cyber-attacks, phishing, spreading malicious software, and even correcting missile strikes.
In a statement last week, Telegram said that it has never provided messaging data to any country, including Russia.
Countries like Iran and China are known for their strict internet controls. If Telegram agrees to share data with them, it could put users in those countries at serious risk.
Durov has insisted that the platform will only comply with valid legal requests, but this might not be enough to reassure users.
