Telegram founder Pavel Durov announced plans to enhance the platform’s content moderation policies in response to criticism over its use for illegal activities. This decision follows Durov being placed under formal investigation in France for alleged crimes related to fraud, money laundering, and the sharing of abusive content.
In a message to his 12.2 million subscribers, Durov acknowledged that while the majority of Telegram users are law-abiding, a small fraction have tarnished the platform’s reputation. He pledged to shift Telegram’s moderation practices from a point of criticism to one of commendation.
Though specifics on the moderation improvements are limited, Durov disclosed that some features prone to misuse have already been removed. These include disabling media uploads on a standalone blogging tool and eliminating the “People Nearby” feature, which had been exploited by scammers. The platform will now focus on highlighting legitimate businesses. These measures come in the wake of Durov’s arrest and questioning in France, which has sparked significant debate in the tech industry about free speech, platform responsibility, and content regulation.
Critics, including former Meta executive Katie Harbath, have cautioned that enhancing moderation will be challenging. Harbath suggested that Durov might face difficulties similar to those encountered by other tech CEOs. Additionally, Telegram has quietly updated its Frequently Asked Questions, removing previous claims that it did not monitor illegal content in private chats, indicating a potential shift in its approach to privacy and illegal activity.
Durov defended Telegram’s moderation efforts, asserting that the platform removes millions of harmful posts and channels daily, and dismissed claims that it is a haven for illegal content. He expressed surprise at the French investigation, noting that authorities could have addressed their concerns directly with the company’s EU representative or with him personally.
