Telegram's Data Dilemma Under Legal Pressure: Time for a Decentralized DAO Messenger

Popular messaging platform, Telegram, has announced a major policy change that will see it share users' IP addresses and phone numbers with authorities in response to valid legal requests.

This shift is a major departure from Telegram's long-standing stance on user privacy and minimal government cooperation. The decision follows the arrest of Telegram CEO and co-founder Pavel Durov in France last month over accusations that the platform failed to manage extremist content.

Durov, who has been a vocal advocate for privacy and user rights, shared the new policy in a Telegram post to his 13 million subscribers, stating, "We’ve made it clear that the IP addresses and phone numbers of those who violate our rules can be disclosed to relevant authorities in response to valid legal requests."

The company also updated its terms of service, specifying that user data could be shared if authorities provide a legitimate judicial order linked to criminal activity.

A Major Policy U-Turn

This change comes after years of Telegram resisting government data requests, which had earned the platform a reputation as a defender of free speech and privacy.

Founded by Durov and his brother Nikolai in 2013, Telegram was initially marketed as a secure and private messaging app that avoided government interference. The platform’s refusal to moderate much of its content, coupled with optional end-to-end encryption, made it a favorite for users concerned about privacy. However, this freedom has also drawn criticism, as Telegram has been linked to illegal activities, including drug trafficking, child exploitation, and extremist communication.

Durov’s arrest in August 2024 was a turning point. French authorities are investigating whether Telegram's lack of moderation contributed to the spread of harmful content, including extremist material. Durov, who denies the charges, was released on bail but remains in France during the ongoing investigation.

In addition to sharing user data with authorities, Telegram has introduced other measures to address criminal activity on the platform. The company has begun using artificial intelligence (AI) alongside a dedicated team of moderators to remove harmful content from search results. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to curb the misuse of the app.

DAO Messenger Solution Needed

With this said, the need for a fully decentralized DAO messenger solution has become more urgent than ever, as concerns around freedom of speech and data privacy continue to grow. While some decentralized messaging platforms may already exist, it’s crucial for the community to rally behind and empower one that truly aligns with the core principles of decentralization.

A DAO-based messenger would ensure that no central authority can control or monitor conversations, offering a transparent and secure communication system governed by its users. By embracing such a solution, the community can protect open dialogue and safeguard sensitive information, ensuring that privacy and free expression remain uncompromised.

Telegram's recent policy shifts reflect growing pressure on tech companies to balance user privacy with the need to address illegal activities. Durov’s arrest and the subsequent changes raise questions about the platform’s future.

Analysts suggest that Telegram’s decision to cooperate more closely with authorities may help address some concerns, but it could also alienate parts of its user base, which has grown to 800 million active users worldwide.

The coming months will be critical for Telegram as it navigates these challenges and attempts to redefine its role in a more regulated digital landscape.