Telegram Updates Its Policies To Allow Private Chat Moderation In Response To CEO Pavel Durov’s Arrest

Days after Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was imprisoned in France on suspicion of neglecting to monitor content that violated the law, Telegram is drastically changing its position toward the “illegal” usage of its messaging service.

On Thursday night, the previously unrestricted texting service expanded the scope of its moderators' authority to cover private conversations. According to a modification on Telegram's FAQ website, users can now “flag illegal content” for review in private chats for the first time. According to an earlier version of the same website, Telegram did not allow access to private groups.

The non-public policy change may change Telegram's perceived reputation as a hub for all types of criminal activity, as French authorities claim. Durov was detained by France last month for allegedly allowing illegal conduct to persist on the app. Durov insists that the accusations are baseless, but he needs to stay in France while the case is being tried.

Durov admitted in a Telegram post earlier on Thursday that the app's quick expansion “made it easier for criminals to abuse our platform. ” He also pledged adjustments.