Telegram Users Can Report Illegal Content in Private Chats

Telegram has recently updated its FAQ page by removing a previous statement that private chats were exempt from moderation requests.

This update comes shortly after CEO Pavel Durov's arrest in France, where he faced allegations of allowing "criminal activity" to persist unchecked on the platform.

The previous FAQ assured users that private chats were secure from moderation, implying a higher level of privacy.

In a recent public statement, Durov has shifted his stance, now committing to more stringent content moderation.

This marks a significant departure from his earlier assertion that Telegram had "nothing to hide," reflecting a notable change in his approach following the arrest.

He shared:

“Telegram's abrupt increase in user count to 950M 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. We've already started that process internally, and I will share more details on our progress with you very soon.”

Telegram Revamped Its Policy

Recent updates to Telegram's FAQ page reflect significant changes in the last 24 hours, including a revised response to the question:

"There's illegal content on Telegram. How do I take it down?”

As of 5 September, according to a Wayback Machine archive of the page, it revealed that Telegram previously stated something else.

This information has since been removed and replaced with new instructions on how to report illegal content:

“All Telegram apps have 'Report' buttons that let you flag illegal content for our moderators — in just a few taps.”

Instructions on how to report followed.

This update suggests a shift in Telegram's approach to content moderation and reflects broader changes following recent developments.

Is Moderating Private Chats an Invasion of Privacy?

Implementing mandatory moderation of private chats on a popular messaging app like Telegram could spark a complex debate between privacy and safety.

On one hand, such a measure could be seen as an invasion of privacy, as it involves scrutinising personal communications that users traditionally expect to be confidential.

This intrusion might undermine trust and signal a shift towards greater surveillance.

On the other hand, proponents could argue that it serves as a necessary layer of security, aimed at preventing illegal activities and protecting users from harmful content.

The challenge lies in balancing the need for safety and compliance with legal requirements while respecting user privacy and maintaining the integrity of private communication.

Ultimately, whether Telegram's new moderation for private chats is viewed as an invasion of privacy or an added layer of assurance will depend on its implementation, the transparency of the process, and the measures taken to protect user data.