Telegram user privacy crisis, Telegram founder will share user IP and phone numbers with authorities

Telegram, the communications giant with over 900 million users, is facing a significant challenge regarding privacy protection. The platform's founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, was detained in Paris at the end of August and subsequently charged with six counts, including conspiracy to engage in illegal transactions and money laundering. Following his release on bail for €5 million in early September, Durov is currently prohibited from leaving France.

This incident has raised concerns about Telegram's privacy policies, particularly regarding its ability to balance law enforcement demands with user privacy.

Read more: Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Released on €5M Bail,Not Allowed to Leave France

Telegram Overhauls Search Functionality

On the evening of September 23, Durov posted on his personal Telegram channel, announcing that the platform had conducted a thorough overhaul of its search feature to prevent misuse by illicit actors. He noted that Telegram's search function is more powerful than other messaging apps, as it allows users to find public channels and bots. Unfortunately, this feature had been abused to sell illegal goods.

Durov outlined several key steps taken to address the issue:

1. Implementing AI Technology: Telegram is leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the security of its search functionality. Durov stated, "We have cleared all problematic content identified in the search. If you still find unsafe or illegal content through Telegram search, please report it to us via @SearchReport."
2. Updating Terms of Service and Privacy Policy: Telegram is revising its global service terms to ensure consistency. Durov mentioned that they have made it clear that, in response to legal requests, user IP addresses and phone numbers of rule violators could be disclosed to relevant authorities.

Durov concluded by saying that these actions should help curb criminal activity and demonstrate Telegram's commitment to compliance: "These measures should deter criminals. Telegram search is meant to help users find friends and explore news, not facilitate illegal activities. We will not allow bad actors to jeopardise the integrity of our platform, which serves nearly one billion users."

Read more: Banana Gun team investigates wallet theft, Telegram bot temporarily offline

A Compromise with Regulators?

Telegram's appeal has long been rooted in its dedication to user privacy, even in authoritarian countries where the platform allows free speech without fear of censorship. However, Durov’s recent statements suggest that Telegram may have to make concessions to regulators to survive.

Earlier in September, after his release, Durov hinted at the need for changes, stating, "The number of Telegram users suddenly surged to 950 million, causing the platform to grow too quickly, which made it easier for criminals to abuse our platform. This is why I have made it my personal goal to ensure we significantly improve in this area. We have already started this process internally, and I will share more details soon."

The tension between privacy protection and law enforcement has long been difficult to balance, and how Telegram will evolve under regulatory pressure remains to be seen.