Telegram has quietly edited its Frequently Asked Questions to remove language stating that it does not moderate private and group chats, as reported CoinDesk. A section titled “There is illegal content on Telegram. How do I remove it?” previously stated that content in chats and group chats remains between participants. Now, however, the section says that “all Telegram apps have ‘Report’ buttons” that will allow users to report illegal content to the app’s moderators. Users simply need to tap on the message on Android, or long-press on iOS, and choose the Report option. They can also make a note of links to the content they want to report and send an email to the service’s removal email address ([email protected]).
The change comes after Telegram boss Pavel Durov posted his first public comment following his arrest on his channel. Durov was arrested at an airport in France in late August as part of authorities' investigation into the app's lack of moderation and its failure to curb criminal activity. He had since been released from custody but was charged with “complicity in the distribution of child pornography, illegal drugs and hacking software” on the messaging app, as well as “refusing to cooperate with investigations into illegal activities on Telegram.”
French authorities apparently told Durov that he was arrested because they received no response from Telegram about their investigation. That was surprising, the app founder explained in his post, because Telegram has an official representative in the EU and a publicly available email address for anyone to use. He also said that French authorities had numerous ways to reach him for help and that he even previously helped them set up a Telegram hotline to address terrorism threats in the country. He further called the French authorities’ decision to “accuse a CEO of crimes committed by third parties on the platform” they run a “misguided approach.” No innovator will ever create new tools, he said, if they cannot be held accountable for potential abuse of those tools.
Durov also spoke about how Telegram defends people’s basic rights, especially in places where these are violated. In Russia, for example, Telegram was banned when the service refused to hand over encryption keys that will allow authorities to spy on users. He said the service removes “millions of harmful posts and channels every day,” publishes transparency reports, and maintains hotlines with NGOs for urgent moderation requests.
The CEO admits, however, that Telegram has room for improvement. Its “abrupt increase in user numbers” to 950 million “caused growing pains” that made it easier for criminals to abuse its platform. Telegram aims to “significantly improve things in this regard” and has already started the process internally. Presumably, this change to its rules is part of the messaging service’s efforts to address accusations from authorities that it has failed to prevent criminals from using its app. It should be noted that the service reported earlier this year that it has 41 million users in the European Union, but officials believe it lied about its user numbers to avoid being regulated under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
