Telegram CEO to share phone numbers, IP addresses with government if users are under suspicion

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has announced that Telegram will share user information with law enforcement when users are suspected of illegal activities. This follows Durov's arrest by French authorities for not cooperating with investigations into illicit activities on the platform.

In Short

• Telegram will share phone numbers and IP addresses of users involved in illegal activities with law enforcement
• Telegram’s search feature will now block users from finding or sharing illegal content
• Pavel Durov was arrested in France for not cooperating with law enforcement regarding illegal activities on Telegram

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has announced that the messaging platform will start sharing user information, such as phone numbers and IP addresses, with law enforcement when users are suspected of illegal activities. This change follows Durov’s arrest by French authorities last month, who accused Telegram of not cooperating with investigations into illicit activities conducted on the platform.

What Changes Have Been Introduced?

Durov revealed that Telegram has updated its terms of service to reflect these changes. One major update is the company’s decision to block users from searching for illegal goods or content via Telegram’s search feature. If someone continues to try accessing or sharing such content, Telegram will hand over their phone number and IP address to authorities if legally required.

Durov emphasised that Telegram's search function is intended to help users find friends or discover news, not for locating or promoting illegal activities. To support this shift, the platform is also using artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure that problematic content, such as drugs, scams, or child abuse images, cannot be found through its search bar.

How Will These Changes Impact Users?

For everyday users, these changes won’t have much of an effect, as long as they are using the app for legal purposes like messaging friends, joining groups, or following news channels. However, for those involved in illegal activities, the consequences could be significant. If a user tries to access or distribute illicit content, their personal information, including their phone number and IP address, could now be passed to law enforcement agencies in response to valid legal requests.

The use of AI to monitor searches also indicates that Telegram is trying to keep the platform safer for all users. Problematic content should no longer appear in search results, making it harder for criminals to abuse the platform for illegal purposes.

Why Was Pavel Durov Arrested?

Durov’s arrest in France was largely due to Telegram’s alleged failure to cooperate with law enforcement regarding illegal material being shared on the platform. French authorities claimed that Telegram was complicit in allowing illicit content to be distributed without taking sufficient action to block it. They also accused Durov of using certain encryption methods without permission in France.

After his arrest, Durov paid a €5 million bond to be released, but he remains under judicial supervision and is not allowed to leave France. Despite these legal challenges, Durov continues to lead Telegram and implement measures to address concerns about illegal activity on the platform.

Conclusion
Telegram’s decision to share user information with law enforcement is a significant change in its privacy policy. While it’s aimed at curbing illegal activities, it could raise privacy concerns among users. Durov, known for promoting privacy, now faces the challenge of balancing user privacy with legal obligations, especially in light of his arrest and the ongoing investigations into Telegram’s role in facilitating illegal activities.