Telegram will now share users’ IP addresses and phone numbers with authorities in response to valid legal requests, according to CEO Pavel Durov. The platform updated its terms of service to prevent criminal misuse, Durov announced in a Telegram post on Monday.
This change follows Durov’s recent arrest in France, where he faces charges of complicity in the spread of child sexual abuse materials. This shift marks a significant departure from Telegram’s previous stance on government data requests and its reputation for limited moderation. The UAE-based app has long been known for its refusal to comply with takedown requests from governments and its reluctance to share information on suspected criminals.
To combat misuse, Telegram has started using artificial intelligence and a team of moderators to remove problematic content from search results, Durov said. In August, French prosecutors charged the Russian-born CEO with crimes linked to activities on the app, accusing him of withholding data that could have aided legal wiretaps.
Durov, who denies the charges and has been ordered to remain in France during the investigation, has overseen Telegram’s rise as a platform used by both protesters and extremists. Governments across the globe, from the European Union to Russia and Iran, have criticized the app for its role in organizing dissent and fostering “conspiracy “groups.
Since Durov’s arrest, Telegram has implemented several policy changes, including disabling new media uploads earlier this month to deter bots and scammers.
