Telegram Updates Privacy Terms To Share User Data With Authorities

According to CoinDesk, Telegram has made significant changes to its privacy terms, now allowing the app to share user information such as IP addresses and phone numbers with judicial authorities in cases of potential criminal conduct. This update was announced by CEO Pavel Durov in a post on the app on Monday. The changes follow Durov's arrest in France last month, where authorities accused Telegram of enabling illegal activities, including drug trafficking, distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and fraud. In response to these allegations, Durov promised to make changes and emphasized the difficulty of balancing privacy and security. Earlier this month, Telegram took steps to block users from uploading new media to combat bots and scammers. Previously, Telegram's privacy policy stated that user information would only be shared if the user was suspected of terrorism. The new terms mark a significant shift from this stance. Telegram, known for its encrypted messaging services, has faced pressure from various authorities, including an attempted ban by Russian authorities in 2018, which led Durov to relocate to Europe. Durov, who denies the charges against him, has been ordered to remain in France until the investigation concludes. He is currently out on bail.