The FAQ response saying requests for moderation on private chats would not be processed is gone.
Telegram has quietly altered its stance on the moderation of private chats, removing key language from its FAQ page that previously assured users their private communications were untouchable. The shift comes in the wake of the arrest of Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, in France. Durov is facing allegations that he allowed criminal activities to flourish unchecked on the messaging platform.
The FAQ page initially stated that “we do not process any requests related to [private chats],” highlighting the platform’s commitment to user privacy. However, this statement has since been removed. The change has sparked curiosity and concern, especially given the timing—nearly two weeks after Durov’s arrest.
Telegram’s Response to the Changes
In response to inquiries, Telegram spokesperson Remi Vaughn emphasized that while the FAQ language has changed, the core functionality of the app remains the same. “Private chats are still private,” Vaughn stated, clarifying that users have always had the option to report a new incoming chat to moderators by selecting the ‘Block’ and ‘Report’ options. Vaughn also pointed out that Telegram’s open-source code remains unchanged, allowing anyone to verify the platform’s continued commitment to privacy.
Earlier the same day, Durov made his first public statement since his arrest, signaling a notable shift in the company’s approach to content moderation. This marked a departure from the company’s earlier stance, which insisted Durov had “nothing to hide.”
“Telegram’s rapid growth to 950 million users brought challenges that criminals exploited,” Durov wrote. “That’s why I’ve made it my personal mission to significantly enhance our moderation efforts. We’ve already begun this process internally, and I will share more details on our progress soon.”
FAQ Page Updates: A New Approach to Reporting Content
One of the first visible changes in Telegram’s moderation policy is reflected in the recent update to its FAQ page. Previously, the page reassured users that “All Telegram chats and group chats are private amongst their participants. We do not process any requests related to them.” These statements have now been replaced with a more detailed explanation of how to report illegal content.
The updated FAQ now reads: “All Telegram apps have ‘Report’ buttons that let you flag illegal content for our moderators — in just a few taps,” followed by specific instructions on how to report messages. The new language clarifies how users can report content, including through mechanisms aligned with the Digital Services Act (DSA).
Vaughn stressed that the removal of the previous language was solely to clarify the reporting process and was not indicative of a broader shift in Telegram’s handling of private chats.
The Broader Implications of Durov’s Arrest
Durov’s arrest has cast a spotlight on the potential misuse of Telegram’s platform. French authorities have charged him with enabling the distribution of child sexual abuse material and facilitating drug trafficking, accusing the company of refusing to cooperate with their investigation, according to The Associated Press.
The arrest and subsequent changes in Telegram’s policies could signal a new era for the messaging platform, one where the balance between privacy and security is being re-evaluated. As Telegram continues to grow, the company faces the complex challenge of maintaining its commitment to user privacy while addressing the concerns raised by law enforcement and regulators worldwide.
Durov’s promise to improve moderation efforts, coupled with the recent FAQ update, suggests that Telegram is beginning to take these challenges more seriously. Users and observers alike will be watching closely to see how these changes unfold and what impact they will have on the platform’s future.
