Originally published on: September 24, 2024
Telegram, the popular messaging app, recently announced a significant update to its privacy policy, sparking concerns among its loyal user base. The update includes provisions for sharing user data with authorities in response to legal requests, a move that has some questioning the platform’s commitment to privacy.
According to Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, the app will now disclose IP addresses and phone numbers of users who violate its rules. This shift has caused alarm among privacy advocates, as it seems to contradict Telegram’s core principles of safeguarding user data.
Anndy Lian, an author and blockchain expert, expressed unease over the policy update, highlighting the potential ramifications for privacy-preserving technologies. Lian emphasized that this change marks a significant departure from Telegram’s previous stance and comes on the heels of concerns about illegal activities on the platform.
While the move may raise red flags for some users, Telegram maintains that its primary goal is to combat criminal behavior within the app. Durov has implemented AI algorithms and human moderators to root out problematic content from Telegram Search, aiming to create a safer environment for all users.
With over 900 million monthly active users, Telegram ranks as the fourth most popular online messenger app globally. Despite the backlash over the policy update, it is not uncommon for top messaging apps to share user data with authorities. WhatsApp, the largest messenger app, and Meta’s Messenger also comply with similar requests, highlighting a broader trend in the industry.
As the conversation around privacy and security continues to evolve in the digital age, Telegram’s pivot serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between user protection and law enforcement needs. Stay tuned as this story unfolds and reshapes the landscape of online communication.
