Mon Sep 23 16:45:12 UTC 2024: ## Telegram Changes Course: Now Sharing User Data With Authorities

**PARIS, FRANCE -** In a significant shift in policy, messaging app Telegram will now comply with valid legal requests for user data, including IP addresses and phone numbers. The move, announced by CEO Pavel Durov on Monday, comes less than a month after his arrest in France on charges of alleged complicity in the spread of child sexual abuse materials.

Previously known for its resistance to government data requests and lax moderation, Telegram has faced criticism for its role in facilitating criminal activity. The platform has been used by extremists, conspiracy theorists, and even those involved in attacks on infrastructure, earning the ire of governments worldwide.

Durov’s arrest, which he denies, has prompted a series of policy changes at Telegram. The company is now proactively concealing problematic content from search results and has disabled new media uploads to combat bot activity and scams.

This new approach marks a departure from Telegram’s previous stance on privacy and transparency. The platform’s shift in policy comes as a response to mounting pressure from authorities who have struggled to gain access to user data for investigations. It remains to be seen how this change will impact Telegram’s user base and reputation.

Durov is currently under investigation in France and is required to remain in the country while the case unfolds.

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