Key Highlights
- Telegram will disclose phone numbers, IP addresses to authorities during legal investigations
- Privacy advocates are concerned about potential misuse of the policy
- The policy change may prompt privacy-focused users to seek alternative platforms
Telegram has made a significant update to its privacy policy. With this update, Telegram’s strategy has changed. It will enable the sharing of users’ IP addresses and phone numbers with law enforcement upon request for legal investigations. Although the aim of the policy is to combat severe crimes like child exploitation and terrorism, worries about user privacy and possible government overreach have been raised by the shift.
Also Read | How to Enable 2-Step Verification On Telegram App: Step-By-Step Guide
What’s Behind The Policy Change?
In the past, Telegram has refused government requests for access to user data. And for those looking for secrecy and anonymity, this made it a preferred platform. However, Telegram has had to reconsider its position in light of mounting international pressure and escalating legal requirements. The revised policy is in response to requests from law enforcement, especially where serious offenses are involved.
Balancing Privacy And Legal Obligations
According to Telegram’s revised policy, the platform will only release user information in cases of serious criminal activity. The aim is to strike a balance between complying with legal requirements and maintaining its commitment to user privacy. Telegram continues to provide features like end-to-end encryption for secret chats.
However, this change introduces new concerns for privacy advocates. They fear that the term “serious crimes” may be too vague. This will potentially leave the door open for misuse by certain governments. Countries with varying legal standards could exploit this policy to target activists, dissenters, or political opponents under the pretext of investigating criminal activity.
Also Read | Looking To Broadcast? Here’s How You Can Create Your Telegram Channel Easily
Users On Alert
This policy shift has raised uncertainty among Telegram’s more privacy-conscious users. Despite assurances that the change applies only to extreme cases, some users may look to alternative platforms that offer stricter privacy measures.
For the tech geeks, stay updated with the latest cutting-edge gadgets in the market, exclusive tech updates, gadget reviews, and more right on your phone’s screen. Join Giznext’s WhatsApp channel and receive the industry-first tech updates.
