Telegram Disables Features Used For Illegal Activity

Uploaded on 2024-09-09 in TECHNOLOGY-Key Areas-Social Media, NEWS-Cybersecurity News, FREE TO VIEW

Telegram founder Pavel Durov who is under criminal in investigation following his recent arrest in France has said that the messaging app would tackle criticism of its content moderation and remove some features that had been abused for illegal activity.

Durov says the service has stopped new media uploads to its standalone blogging tool, Telegraph, because it was “misused by anonymous actors.” In particular, the changes to the app will affect its built-in blog posts and a “People Nearby” location-based feature.

Durov’s has said, “Telegram’s abrupt increase in user count to 950 million caused growing pains that made it easier for criminals to abuse our platform. That’s why I made it my personal goal to ensure we significantly improve things in this regard.” He also said that during the four-day interview after his arrest, “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.”

Telegram has changed its guidelines surrounding private chats and moderation and followed up with these new updates. It is also enabling a read-only mode for its in-app browser.

“While 99.999% of Telegram users have nothing to do with crime, the 0.001% involved in illicit activities creates a bad image for the entire platform... That’s why this year we are committed to turn moderation on Telegram from an area of criticism into one of praise.” Durov says in a statement.

Telegraph, which was launched in 2016, allows anyone to anonymously create a post, upload media, and then share the webpage on social media or Telegram. But, security researchers report allows criminals use the tool for phishing scams by creating phony website landing pages or notices that trick users into disclosing personal information.

Telegram will replace the 'People Nearby' feature with “Businesses Nearby” instead, allowing “legitimate, verified businesses” to display products and accept payments. “That’s why this year we are committed to turn moderation on Telegram from an area of criticism into one of praise.” according to Durov

The changes Telegram are making will be closely watched by law enforcement, privacy advocate as well as the other big social media platforms.

Telegram has positioned itself as a privacy-first platform, attracting widespread criticism from governments that claim the app is too permissive of criminal activities and the changes announced by Durov suggest a more active moderation policy for content on the platform. This in markedt contrast to X / Twitter which, following its acquisition by Elon Musk, fired most of the platform moderators.

It remains to be seen if the measures Durov is putting in place will have a restrictive effect on abusive content on Telegram, even if they assist him in his defence against prosecution.

Durov’s legal troubles highlight the growing tension between technology companies and regulators as they grapple with the implications of encrypted communications and the balance between privacy and security.

Image: Ideogram

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