Telegram announces major policy shift, will share user info with law enforcement authorities
The new policy will include blocking users from searching for illegal content using Telegram’s search functionality.
Following his arrest last month in France over alleged lack of cooperation with investigations, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in an announcement said that the messaging platform will share user information with law enforcement agencies if illegal activities are suspected. This comes as a major policy shift as Telegram has updated the terms of service to accommodate the changes.
The new policy will include blocking users from searching for illegal content using Telegram’s search functionality. However, if a user persistently tries to access or share such information, the messaging platform will provide the details, such as phone numbers and IP addresses of the user, to concerned authorities following all legality. This major shift in Telegram’s policy aims to strike a balance between platform safety and user privacy.
It is to be noted that Telegram is making use of AI to prevent the access of objectionable or problematic content, including child abuse material, scams, drugs, and more.
“To support this shift, the platform is also using artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure that problematic content, such as drugs, scams, or child abuse images, cannot be found through its search bar”, Durov said.
Emphasising that Telegram’s search feature is to facilitate finding new friends and finding news, the Telegram CEO said, “Telegram's search function is intended to help users find friends or discover news, not for locating or promoting illegal activities.”
Last month, Durov was arrested in France for not ‘adequately cooperating with authorities’ over illegal content sharing through Telegram. Authorities accused Telegram of being complicitly involved in allowing illegal content sharing as well as an unauthorised use of encryption methods.
Durov remains under judicial custody despite paying a €5 million bond for his release and continues to manage Telegram.
Get Latest Business News, Stock Market Updates and Videos; Check your tax outgo through Income Tax Calculator and save money through our Personal Finance coverage. Check Business Breaking News Live on Zee Business Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe on YouTube.
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Senior Citizen Latest FD Rates: Know what major banks like SBI, PNB, Canara Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank are providing on fixed deposits
Gratuity Calculator: Rs 38,000 as last-drawn basic salary, 5 years and 5 months of service; what will be gratuity amount?
Retirement Planning: In how many years your Rs 25K monthly SIP investment will grow to Rs 8.8 cr | See calculations
Top 5 Small Cap Mutual Funds with best SIP returns in 1 year: See how Rs 25,000 monthly investment has grown in each scheme
Top 7 SBI Mutual Funds With Best SIP Returns in 1 Year: Rs 25,000 monthly SIP investment in No.1 fund has jumped to Rs 3,58,404
Top 7 Mid Cap Mutual Funds With up to 41% SIP Returns in 5 Years: No 1 fund has converted Rs 15,000 monthly investment into Rs 23,84,990
SBI 5-Year FD vs MIS: Which can offer higher returns on a Rs 2,00,000 investment over 5 years? See calculations
06:19 PM IST