After the arrest, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov updated the app's security and privacy policies, the IP addresses and phone numbers of those who violate rules can be disclosed to authorities in valid legal requests. A significant change considering that Telegram was considered one of the applications with a somewhat higher level of anonymity.
They claim it was their decision, but apparently, the arrest pushed the matter.
It may be a good thing in detecting scams, but it will significantly affect all businesses that rely on anonymity on Telegram.
Durov's (CEO of Telegram) article regarding the Telegram Terms of Service and Privacy Policy:
https://t.me/durov/345Over the last few weeks, a dedicated team of moderators, leveraging AI, has made Telegram Search much safer. All the problematic content we identified in Search is no longer accessible. If you still manage to find something unsafe or illegal in Telegram Search, please report it to us via @SearchReport.
To further deter criminals from abusing Telegram Search, we have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, ensuring they are consistent across the world. We’ve made it clear that the IP addresses and phone numbers of those who violate our rules can be disclosed to relevant authorities in response to valid legal requests.
You’ve brought up an important development! This change definitely represents a shift in how Telegram handles user privacy and security. While it could be beneficial in combatting scams and illegal activities, it does raise concerns for those who rely on the platform for privacy and anonymity, especially in regions where freedom of expression or business operations may be at risk.
The decision to comply with legal requests might deter malicious activities, but it also means users should be more cautious and aware of how their data could be exposed in certain situations. For businesses that rely heavily on anonymity, this change could push them to explore other platforms or adopt additional privacy measures.
Ultimately, it’s a reminder that even platforms that prioritize privacy can change their stance, and it’s crucial for users to stay informed and adapt accordingly. 🔐