Telegram, known for its strong privacy policies, has quietly updated its FAQ, signaling a change in tone following the arrest of CEO Pavel Durov in France. The messaging app removed a key statement assuring users that “we do not process any requests related to private chats,” just weeks after Durov was detained on allegations of enabling unchecked criminal activity on the platform.
While Telegram spokesperson Remi Vaughn insists the app’s source code remains untouched, stating “private chats are still private,” the subtle FAQ changes have ignited questions about the platform’s long-standing commitment to privacy. Users can now report content in private and group chats via a Block > Report feature, marking a departure from Telegram’s earlier, more hands-off approach.
In a statement made on Thursday—Durov’s first since his arrest—the CEO acknowledged Telegram’s massive user growth to over 950 million as a catalyst for the platform’s vulnerability to criminal misuse. He pledged to improve content moderation, a notable shift from Telegram’s previous stance that they had “nothing to hide.”
“We’ve already started improving the situation internally and will share our progress soon,” Durov stated, pointing to a wave of moderation updates already taking effect. One such change is evident in Telegram’s revised FAQ, which no longer explicitly promises that private chats are protected from external requests.
This move has sparked debate within Telegram’s user community. Some question if this change signals the end of Telegram’s strong privacy protections. Critics also pointed out that group chats are not end-to-end encrypted, raising concerns over Telegram’s privacy when compared to competitors like Signal.
The timing of these updates coincides with Durov’s ongoing legal challenges in France, where authorities accuse Telegram of enabling the distribution of child sexual abuse material and drug trafficking. Telegram’s refusal to cooperate with investigators reportedly contributed to the charges against the CEO.
Despite the controversy, Durov remains committed to Telegram’s core values of freedom and open dialogue, even as he reassures users of forthcoming improvements. However, the changes to its privacy stance leave many wondering: is Telegram still the bastion of privacy it once claimed to be?
With the platform’s privacy policies now under greater scrutiny, the future of Telegram’s relationship with its user base remains uncertain. Durov’s upcoming actions and the platform’s handling of these allegations will likely determine how Telegram navigates this growing storm.
Sara Sheehan is a talented software engineer with a passion for exploring various tech topics. She has a strong expertise in web development, software development, and digital marketing, continually expanding her knowledge in these areas. Sara is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving tech industry, always seeking out new challenges and opportunities to grow her skill set.