In the aftermath of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s recent arrest, significant changes to the platform’s privacy policies have sparked widespread concern among users and privacy advocates. Telegram quietly updated its FAQ section, removing a statement that previously assured users that all private and group chats were fully encrypted and not accessible by the company. This shift comes amidst growing regulatory scrutiny and international pressure, especially following Durov’s arrest.
The revision now highlights that Telegram apps include a “Report” button, allowing users to flag illegal content, a move that suggests increased monitoring of private conversations. These changes have raised fears over the platform’s commitment to privacy, a core value that Telegram has championed for yearsThe privacy rollback is seen as a response to global pressures on tech platforms to balance security concerns with privacy rights, especially in countries where governments demand more access to encrypted data.
Durov, who has long advocated for freedom from government censorship, reiterated his stance that Telegram would exit markets where its principles on privacy and freedom clash with local regulations. In a statement, he noted that Telegram has previously been banned in countries like Russia and Iran for refusing to comply with demands for user data. His arrest has been condemned by figures like Edward Snowden and Elon Musk, who argue that it is a direct attack on digital freedom and free speech.
The arrest and the subsequent policy changes are already affecting Telegram’s market value, particularly with its native cryptocurrency, Toncoin, which has seen a significant drop amid the turmoil. The wider tech and crypto community is watching closely, with many questioning how far Telegram will go in compromising user privacy to comply with international regulations.
