Telegram to share user data with governments amid legal pressures

Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, announced a significant policy change regarding user data sharing with governments amid legal pressures, particularly following his arrest in France for allegedly facilitating criminal activities through the app. Previously, Telegram had a strong privacy stance, resisting government data requests unless backed by a court order. However, Durov's recent statement indicates a shift towards compliance with valid legal requests, including sharing user IP addresses and phone numbers of those violating app rules. This policy update aims to enhance security measures and deter criminal exploitation of the platform, which has faced criticism for being a tool for illegal activities such as terrorism and child exploitation. Durov emphasized the need for consistent policies globally and expressed his commitment to combatting criminal activity on Telegram. Despite the changes, Durov defended his position against the ongoing investigation, arguing that a CEO should not be held accountable for third-party actions on their platform. His arrest has raised concerns about the implications for Russian military communications, as Telegram is widely used in that context, especially during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In response to these developments, Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council has banned Telegram on official devices, citing security threats. The country has shifted to using Signal, another encrypted messaging app, highlighting the growing scrutiny and challenges faced by Telegram in maintaining its user base and reputation for privacy.