Telegram Policy Update: How to Report Illegal Content in Private Chats?

by

As a seasoned crypto investor and long-time Telegram user, I must say that the recent policy update from Telegram has left me both intrigued and slightly apprehensive. Being in this space for quite some time, I’ve witnessed numerous platforms succumb to regulatory pressure, often at the expense of user privacy. However, it seems that even the seemingly invincible Telegram, known for its unwavering commitment to privacy, is now making adjustments.

Telegram is widely recognized as a top social media service, distinguished by its commitment to user privacy and its alignment with the cryptocurrency sector. In spite of various nations’ governments disapproving of its operational methods, it has consistently refused to yield until now. However, recent updates in Telegram’s policy reveal shifts in CEO Pavel Durov’s ideologies.

The updates are associated with Pavel Durov’s announcement following his arrest and four-day imprisonment in France due to his inability to manage the distribution of inappropriate content on the platform. Pavel, who has been under scrutiny by various government bodies, was detained last month for investigation. In a recent statement, the CEO of Telegram discussed his French detention, disclosing that the platform complies with EU demands and removes millions of harmful posts. It appears that this latest policy update is also connected to these actions.

Telegram Policy Update Shares Steps To Report Illegal Content

Lately, an influential Telegram account, known as db, brought attention to their updated policy concerning illicit content. This notable post emphasized a specific query from their FAQ section that stands out, asking: “What should I do if there’s illegal content on Telegram?”

Previously, I was informed that communications within Telegram chats or bots remain confidential among the users, and no inquiries concerning these private interactions are addressed. However, I now have instructions on how to report potential issues if they should arise.

However, with the new policy update, the new answer to the query is,

In all Telegram applications, there are ‘Report’ buttons available which allow you to highlight unlawful content for our moderation team with a few simple taps – here’s how you can go about it:

As a researcher, I find it intriguing to observe the platform’s apparent focus on eradicating illegal content following recent arrests. However, this shift raises questions about potential future changes that users might encounter in the coming days. Additionally troubling is the news of Vitalik Buterin engaging in significant transactions within the crypto space, as another influential figure in the industry seems to be repositioning themselves.

Steps To Report Illegal Content On Telegram

The Telegram policy updates have provided quite simple steps towards reporting illicit content on the platform. The steps of the illegal content reporting are as follows: –

  • On Telegram for Android, tap the message and select Report from the menu.
  • On iOS, press and hold the message and select the same.
  • On Desktop, Web, or Telegram for macOS, right-click on the message and select Report.

When making a report, users should provide a valid reason for doing so. Additionally, an email address has been provided for this purpose: abuse@telegram.org. Users are asked to include any relevant links to the content they wish to report as being inappropriate.

Furthermore, EU users have been encouraged to familiarize themselves with the ruleset, as it highlights the more stringent regulations from the European Union that apply specifically to them.

Final Thoughts

In a recent public statement following his detention, Pavel Durov explained that the rapid expansion of Telegram, with over 950 million users, has brought about certain difficulties. This large user base has made it simpler for malicious actors to disseminate unlawful content on the platform. However, Telegram is currently addressing these issues internally. Moreover, a recent update to Telegram’s policy indicates stricter regulations regarding illegal content. Rather than asserting that personal chats are untouchable, the social media platform has implemented measures to flag and report such content.

Read More

2024-09-06 11:06