Popular messaging app Telegram has updated its privacy policy. The change allows users to share data with authorities in response to legal requests. CEO Pavel Durov announced they'll disclose the IP addresses and phone numbers of rule-breakers.
This upgrade goes against Telegram's core privacy-focused policies. It raises concerns among consumers and privacy activists. This new change in turn creates a precedent for other privacy-focused services.
The policy modification comes after Durov's arrest in France last month. It seeks to address concerns about unlawful activity on the site. Telegram has also used AI and human curation to exclude inappropriate information from its search feature.
Durov claims that these steps will deter criminals and make Telegram safer. The app has around 900 million monthly active users.
This update brings Telegram in line with the other main messaging apps. WhatsApp and Meta's Messenger have already disclosed user data to law police in some situations. While the upgrade raises privacy issues, it highlights the persistent problem of balancing user privacy, legal compliance, and platform safety.
