Telegram's Durov announces crackdown on illegal content

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, announced a significant crackdown on illegal content on the platform following his arrest in France on August 24. He faced charges related to failing to control extremist and terrorist content on the messaging app. In response to these legal pressures, Durov stated that Telegram had utilized artificial intelligence to identify and remove problematic content from its search feature, which had been exploited for illegal activities. Durov emphasized that the platform's updated terms of service would now allow for the sharing of user information, including IP addresses and phone numbers, with authorities upon valid legal requests. This move aims to enhance accountability and deter misuse of the platform by bad actors. In a bid to improve the platform's reputation, Durov also announced changes to the "people nearby" feature, which will now prioritize legitimate businesses over bots and scammers. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to transform content moderation on Telegram from a point of criticism to one of praise. Durov, who holds multiple passports and has a net worth of approximately $15.5 billion, has faced scrutiny for his platform's role in facilitating illegal activities. His recent actions appear to align with the demands of French authorities, as he must remain in France and report to police regularly during the ongoing investigation.