Telegram Privacy Policy Adjustment Sparks Controversy

Recently, Telegram founder Pavel Durov announced an important change to its privacy policy. According to the new policy, users who violate the terms of service and abuse public channels for illegal activities may have their IP addresses and phone numbers disclosed to relevant authorities upon legitimate request. This decision was made after Pavel Durov was arrested and released by French police for allegedly allowing criminal activities to occur on Telegram.

Telegram has always been known for its strong privacy protection and security. However, in the face of growing compliance requirements from global regulators, the platform has had to make corresponding adjustments. This policy change marks an important step for Telegram in terms of compliance.

As an important platform for Web3 applications, Telegram has become the preferred social tool for many blockchain projects due to its large user base and open API interface. The platform not only supports tokens for channel trading activities but also integrates decentralized networks into the application's user interface, covering various fields such as decentralized finance, domains, and gaming.

However, this convenience also brings some negative effects. Some criminals exploit the anonymity of Telegram to engage in illegal transactions, money laundering, and even plan terrorist activities. The platform's end-to-end encryption, custom privacy settings, and self-destructing messages, although intended to protect user privacy, are also misused to conceal criminal activities.

To address these challenges, Telegram has established a dedicated team to use AI technology to restrict illegal content in its search functions. Additionally, the platform has updated its terms of service and privacy policy to ensure consistency globally. These measures demonstrate Telegram's determination to combat illegal content and protect users.

As a global communication platform, Telegram must seek a balance between protecting user privacy and complying with regulatory requirements. The new policy allows for the disclosure of personal information of wrongdoers upon receiving a valid legal request, which may help prevent further abuse of the platform while not excessively harming the privacy rights of the majority of users.

With the widespread use of cryptocurrencies in illegal activities, many companies involved in the crypto space need to implement detailed KYT (Know Your Transaction) mechanisms to comply with regulations and manage risks. This policy adjustment by Telegram could have far-reaching effects on the entire crypto ecosystem, prompting more platforms to reassess their privacy and compliance strategies.