Telegram CEOs Arrest Sparks Significant Change Commencement of User Data Sharing with Authorities

Key Takeaways:
Telegram will share user data like IP addresses with law enforcement for rule violations.
AI is now essential in Telegram for blocking illegal content searches.
Pavel Durov remains under judicial watch in France, complicating Telegram’s operational freedom.


Telegram CEO Arrest Triggers Major Shift: User Data Sharing with Authorities Begins.
Pavel Durov, the co-founder and CEO of Telegram, announced a significant change in the platform’s policy after his recent arrest by French authorities. Once praised for its strict privacy measures, Telegram will begin sharing user data with law enforcement.
This includes information like IP addresses and phone numbers for those who violate the platform’s rules.
Telegram Sharing User Data with Law Enforcement
The changes target illegal activities happening on the platform. Telegram has blocked users from searching for illicit goods and services through its search function. Those who attempt to share illegal content now risk having their details passed on to authorities.
Durov emphasized in his message,
“
Telegram search is meant for finding friends and discovering news, not promoting illegal goods
.”
The platform’s new rules enable the company to track and report users who breach these regulations. This includes handing over personal data, such as IP addresses and phone numbers, to law enforcement when legally required.


Telegram’s New Search Policy Update. Source
Du Rove’s Channel
Telegram has also introduced artificial intelligence to monitor content. The platform’s AI blocks harmful material from appearing in the search results, helping ensure the platform remains safe for its users.
French Authorities Arrest Telegram CEO
In August 2024, French authorities
arrested
Pavel Durov amid concerns that his company, Telegram, was permitting the circulation of illegal content without cooperation. The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office charged that Telegram had not responded to law enforcement requests.
Additionally, authorities alleged that the company used cryptography in France without proper authorization, further complicating the ongoing investigation.


Telegram CEO’s Arrest Notice. Source:
Tribunal Judiciaire de Paris
Durov paid a €5 million bond (around $5.5 million) for his release. However, he remains under judicial supervision and cannot leave France while the investigation continues.
Telegram’s Use of AI to Prevent Illegal Content
Telegram is now utilizing AI to improve the safety of its platform. Durov revealed that the app’s search feature had changed to make it more secure. He explained, “
Problematic content no longer appears via the search bar
,” referring to the search function that allows users to find groups, chats, and contacts.
AI now plays a key role in detecting and blocking content that violates Telegram’s new rules. By automating this process, Telegram hopes to prevent harmful material from reaching users.
This development arises as Telegram experiences mounting pressure to regulate its content. The platform has gained a reputation as a haven for illegal activities, such as crypto scams, drug sales, and the distribution of child abuse images.
Consequently, with nearly one billion users globally, the app has drawn scrutiny from law enforcement agencies worldwide. French authorities are particularly concerned with how Telegram’s encryption is used in France. The investigation could change Telegram’s operation, especially in countries with strict privacy laws.