Telegram modifies private chat regulations as Pavel Durov speaks out post-arrest

Social messaging app Telegram has modified its content moderation policies following the arrest of the CEO, Pavel Durov. Durov also put out a post for the first time after the arrest.

According to the latest changes made to its FAQ page, Telegram has extended its moderation to also include private chats. This is a major change from the firm’s earlier policy regarding private chats.

The Telegram FAQ mentioned earlier that “all Telegram chats and group chats are private amongst their participants. We do not process any requests related to them,” in regard to the private chat.

Telegram quietly updates FAQ, removing:

"All Telegram chats and group chats are private amongst their participants. We do not process any requests related to them." pic.twitter.com/ajWOOBAAB5

— db (@tier10k) September 6, 2024

Telegram users can flag illegal content

According to the updated policy, Telegram users can flag content that they believe is illegal in a private chat. Telegram stated that users will now have a report button for both Android, iOS and even computer apps.

Users can also send email to their automated takedown email address with links that they believe need to be taken down by the moderators.

This silent change to the policy comes after the arrest of its CEO Durov in France. This is following the allegations by the French authorities that the messaging app has facilitated various forms of illegal activity.

Telegram CEO releases public post after arrest

Durov has released a public Telegram post for the first time after his arrest. He stated that he is still trying to understand what happened in France. “I was told I may be personally responsible for other people’s illegal use of Telegram, because the French authorities didn’t receive responses from Telegram,” Durov said.

I'm still trying to understand what happened in France. But we hear the concerns. I made it my personal goal to prevent abusers of Telegram's platform from interfering with the future of our 950+ million users.

My full post below. https://t.co/cDvRSodjst

— Pavel Durov (@durov) September 5, 2024

Telegram CEO stated that the actions by the French authorities were surprising for numerous reasons. He mentioned that Telegram has an official representative in the EU that replies to EU requests. Durov highlighted that the authorities had several ways to reach him for assistance.

Duro also stated that if a country is unhappy with an internet service, the best action is to take legal action against the service and not the CEO. He also added that the platform takes down millions of harmful posts and channels every day.

“Telegram’s abrupt increase in user count to 950M caused growing pains that made it easier for criminals to abuse our platform,” Durov said. He added that he has made it his personal goal to improve things in this regard.