Telegram CEO Pavel Durov recently announced that the messaging app will now share users’ IP addresses and phone numbers with authorities in response to valid legal requests. This change in policy aims to prevent criminals from exploiting the platform, as stated by Durov in a post on Telegram on Monday.
This decision comes shortly after Durov’s arrest in France on charges related to the distribution of child sexual abuse materials. It signals a shift from Telegram’s previous stance of minimal cooperation with government requests and its lenient content moderation policies.
Previously known for its reluctance to comply with takedown requests and provide information on suspected criminals, the United Arab Emirates-based platform is now taking a more proactive approach to law enforcement. By sharing user data with authorities, Telegram aims to enhance safety and security on its platform.