Telegram CEO Changes Data Sharing Policies

Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, announced a significant policy shift allowing the messaging app to provide users' IP addresses and phone numbers to authorities in response to valid legal requests, aiming to curb criminal activities on the platform. This decision follows Durov's recent arrest in France, where he faces charges related to facilitating the spread of child pornography through the app. Previously, Telegram had a reputation for strong user privacy and hesitated to comply with government requests for user data. The updated terms of service indicate a commitment to deterring criminal use of the platform while also introducing enhanced moderation through AI and human oversight. Critics express concern that this move may compromise user privacy and freedom of speech, as it grants governments access to sensitive user information. Durov emphasized that the changes are intended to ensure the integrity of Telegram for its nearly one billion users.