Telegram Quietly Updates FAQ Page As Pavel Durov Says Rapid Growth Made It Easier For ‘Criminals To Abuse Our Platform’
ForbesSEP 2 2024
Telegram to Provide User Data to Authorities Upon Legal Request
Image copyright: Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
After years of operating as if it were above the law, outrageously refusing to cooperate with authorities, and allowing criminal activity on the app to go on undeterred, Telegram is now taking steps to help law enforcement. And it's no coincidence that these changes follow the arrest of Durov — this was precisely the reality check needed.
Establishment-critical narrative
That Telegram has departed from its original privacy policy because France arrested Durov is indeed the most likely explanation — and this is quite concerning as other governments may rely on the same playbook to expand control over online speech and privacy. It's now clear that only a decentralized, community-run network can prevent censorship.
Metaculus Prediction
Establishment split
CRITICAL
PRO
More neutral establishment stance articles
Sign Up for Our Free NewslettersSign Up for Our Free Newsletters
© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.