Previously, Telegram’s FAQ stated that the platform could not process requests related to private chats, citing that all chats are private among participants. However, on September 6, the platform removed this language from its FAQ, replacing it with new instructions on how to flag illegal content for review.
This change marks a significant shift in Telegram’s stance on content moderation. Durov’s first public statement since the arrest emphasized a renewed focus on improving moderation, citing the app’s rapid growth to over 950 million users as one of the reasons why bad actors have found it easier to misuse the platform.
The Updated Telegram FAQ
The revised Telegram FAQ now focuses on the platform’s “Report” feature, which allows users to flag illegal content. Telegram has clarified that this report button can be used to alert moderators about violations, even in cases where content was previously unmoderated, such as private chats.
A spokesperson from Telegram explained, “This update to our Telegram FAQ reflects our ongoing commitment to improving user safety and ensuring that illegal activities have no place on our platform.”
The September 5 archived version of the FAQ shows that the original wording specified Telegram would not process requests for private chats or group chats. However, the current Telegram FAQ makes no mention of this limitation, suggesting a broader scope for moderation.
Durov’s arrest and the subsequent update to the Telegram FAQ mark a dramatic shift in the company’s tone. In his first public statement since the arrest, Durov admitted that the rapid growth of Telegram had led to challenges in content moderation. “Our growth to 950 million users brought growing pains, and unfortunately, some criminals exploited this growth to abuse our platform,” Durov said.
He assured users that changes were underway. “Improving content moderation has become my personal goal, and we have already started implementing stronger processes internally.”
This is a notable change from earlier responses from Telegram, which had been more defiant in the face of accusations. French authorities arrested Durov — a Russian-born French citizen — on Aug. 24 at an airport outside of Paris. The company issued a statement calling the arrest “absurd,” and claiming that it was unreasonable to hold a platform or its owner accountable for the actions of its users.
However, the changes to the Telegram FAQ suggest that the company is now taking a more proactive approach to address the concerns raised by regulators.
Telegram FAQ: Broader Implications
The changes in Telegram FAQ could have broader implications for how other encrypted messaging platforms handle content moderation. Telegram has long maintained that privacy is a core value of the platform, which has led to criticisms from some governments and law enforcement agencies who believe the platform allows illegal content to thrive unchecked.
According to cybersecurity expert Lisa Kovacs, “The changes to Telegram’s FAQ are likely just the beginning. With regulatory pressures mounting, especially in the EU, we can expect to see other platforms like WhatsApp and Signal adopt similar approaches in the near future.”
The new Telegram FAQ now positions the platform as more willing to cooperate with authorities, even if it means sacrificing some of its privacy principles. Whether this will impact user numbers remains to be seen, but the platform’s moderation policies will likely become stricter in the coming months.
For now, the update to Telegram FAQ appears to be part of a broader effort to placate regulators and law enforcement. As Durov mentioned, the company is already working on internal improvements to ensure better moderation.
However, this doesn’t mark the end of the legal challenges facing Telegram. Durov is still under investigation, and there is no indication yet as to whether he will face further charges or penalties.
Additionally, it’s unclear how Telegram’s updated FAQ and changes in moderation will affect its user base. Many of Telegram’s users have long relied on the platform’s strict privacy features, and any hint of increased surveillance or moderation could drive them to competing platforms.
The recent changes to the Telegram FAQ highlight the growing tension between user privacy and content moderation. With Telegram’s CEO facing legal scrutiny and regulatory pressure mounting, the platform is now taking steps to address concerns around illegal content. Whether these changes will be enough to satisfy regulators without losing its user base remains to be seen.
For now, the updated Telegram FAQ reflects a new chapter in the platform’s ongoing evolution. Get more from The Bit Gazette
