Telegram founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, has attempted to ease growing concerns regarding changes to the platform’s terms of service that involve data sharing with law enforcement agencies. While the platform has been associated with a strong privacy stance, revelations about the app’s compliance with legal requests have raised alarm among users who prioritize anonymity.
Durov acknowledged that Telegram has been providing IP addresses and phone numbers to authorities since 2018 when it receives valid judicial requests as part of its cooperation with investigations involving criminal activities. Despite this policy being in place for several years, the disclosure surfaced at a time when Telegram’s approach to privacy is under renewed scrutiny, especially after Durov’s arrest in France over allegations related to illegal content on the platform.
The updated terms of service reflect Telegram’s efforts to strike a balance between privacy and legal compliance. However, critics argue that these changes could potentially lead to broader surveillance and weaken the platform’s appeal to users who rely on it for confidential communication. Telegram’s policy shift marks a significant departure from its earlier image as a haven for privacy-conscious users and whistleblowers.
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