Telegram will now share users' phone numbers and IP addresses if it receives requests from authorities. Photo: Telegram
Instant messaging app Telegram just updated its privacy policy. The updated document marks a major reversal from its past focus on data security and user privacy.
Telegram will now hand over a user's phone numbers and IP address if it "receives a valid order from the relevant judicial authorities" and if he/she is a confirmed suspect "in a case involving criminal activities" that violate its Terms of Service. Previously, Telegram would only share such user data with authorities if they were terror suspects.
CEO Pavel Durov shared in a Telegram post that this change is required to "deter criminals from abusing" the instant messaging app's search function "to sell illegal goods".
In addition, Durov stated moderators will be leveraging AI to eliminate "problematic content" from Telegram's search feature and that Telegram won't let a handful of bad users "jeopardize the integrity" of the platform for nearly a billion users.
Telegram's latest moves have raised concerns among some users on how the company would handle requests from tyrannical governments that suppress political freedoms, civil liberties, and dissent.
Don't be surprised if the company makes further changes as it seeks to avoid additional scrutiny from governments around the world.
Source: Telegram via The Verge
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