Telegram Users Can Now Report Illegal Content In Private Chats

Telegram has updated its policy to allow users to report illegal and illicit content in private chats for moderation review, as indicated in a recent update to its frequently asked questions (FAQ) section. Toncoin ($TON) will still act as the native cryptocurrency of the TON blockchain, which was originally developed by Telegram. It is used within the ecosystem for transactions, smart contracts, and various decentralized applications (dApps).

Changing With The Times

The new policy introduces the ability for users to flag content in private chats, a shift compared to the previous stance of not moderating such conversations. This change might impact Telegram and its overall image, which has previously been linked to facilitating illegal activities such as money laundering and illicit crypto-related transactions.

The FAQ previously stated that all Telegram chats and group chats are private between their participants, and that the company does and will not process any requests related to them. The anonymity associated with Telegram made it one of the most popular messaging platforms worldwide.

A Necessary Change

The update followed Pavel Durov being arrested in France in late August. The arrest was part of a larger investigation into the messaging platform, with French authorities alleging that Telegram has been used for illegal activities.

Durov was released after four days in custody. He is under judicial supervision and faces preliminary charges that could have significant legal repercussions if he is convicted. In his first public statement on Thursday, the Telegram CEO acknowledged that the rapid expansion of the platform had made it vulnerable to misuse by criminals. He denied claims that Telegram is an anarchic paradise for illegal activities and emphasized that the platform actively works to remove harmful content.