In a significant shift in policy, Telegram, the widely used messaging platform known for its strong stance on user privacy, has announced that it will begin sharing user data with authorities under certain circumstances. This decision comes in the wake of the arrest of Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, and represents a departure from the company’s previous policy.
Telegram’s new policy states that the platform will provide IP addresses and phone numbers to legal authorities in response to valid legal requests. This move is seen as an effort to combat the misuse of the app’s features and to address concerns over criminal activities facilitated through the platform. The company has updated its Terms of Service and Privacy Policy to reflect these changes, which also include the introduction of a new team of moderators tasked with identifying and removing problematic content from the app’s search feature.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the key rules that Telegram users are expected to follow:
Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 (Feb 10 – May 3, 2025) opens registrations; register today for early bird discounts.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and invest in Africa’s finest startups here.
No Spam or Scams: Users must not use the service to send unsolicited or unwanted advertisements, nor engage in scamming activities.
No Promotion of Violence: Publicly viewable channels, bots, etc., must not be used to promote violence.
No Illegal Pornographic Content: Posting illegal pornographic content on publicly viewable Telegram channels or bots is prohibited.
Respect for Other Users: It’s important to always be courteous and avoid sharing content that could offend or harm others.
Report Suspicious Behavior: Users have a responsibility to report content or behavior that seems harmful or violates the platform’s guidelines.
Secure Your Account: Users are encouraged to secure their accounts with features like 2-Step Verification to prevent unauthorized access.
Compliance with Local Laws: Users must comply with local laws and regulations, and the service must not be used for illegal activities.
Age Restrictions: Citizens of EU countries and the United Kingdom must be at least 18 years old to sign up for Telegram.
Use of Telegram Stars and Premium Services: If users opt to use additional services like Telegram Stars or Telegram Premium, they must agree to the specific terms of those services.
Content Moderation: Users must adhere to content moderation policies, which prohibit content that promotes violence, illegal activities, or hatred against groups based on race, religion, or other factors.
These rules are in place to ensure that Telegram remains a platform where users can communicate freely while also feeling safe and respected. Violations of these rules can lead to consequences, including the sharing of user data with authorities under certain legal circumstances. It’s essential for users to familiarize themselves with these rules and follow them to enjoy a positive experience on Telegram.
The decision to share user data is not without controversy. Telegram has long been favored by journalists, activists, and individuals in authoritarian countries for its commitment to privacy and security. The new policy raises questions about the impact on these users and the potential for abuse by authorities. However, Telegram has emphasized that the sharing of data will be limited to instances where there is clear evidence of rule violations and will be subject to legal processes.
The implications of this policy change are far-reaching, affecting not only the platform’s user base but also the broader conversation around privacy and security in the digital age. As governments around the world grapple with the challenges of regulating online spaces, the balance between privacy rights and law enforcement needs continues to be a contentious issue.