Telegram updates policy allowing users to flag private chats to moderators

Telegram has announced a major change to its policy, enabling users to report private chats to moderators. The new tool, the company says, will “let you flag illegal content for our moderators – in just a few taps.” and is now rolling out to all users worldwide. The announcement comes nearly a month after founder and chief executive officer Pavel Durov was arrested over the platform’s misuse in carrying out illegal activities.

The change in Telegram’s policy is a slight departure from its long-standing reputation as a messaging platform with minimal censorship and supervision. However, various regulators around the world have criticised the platform for allowing content that they deem questionable and illegal. Durov’s arrest was made on the same grounds where European regulators alleged Telegram’s potential role in the spread of criminal activities, including child abuse, extortion, and gambling.

“All Telegram apps have ‘Report’ buttons that let you flag illegal content for our moderators – in just a few taps,” reads the platform’s frequently-asked-questions (FAQ) page. The company has also mentioned an email address that users can send their requests for automated takedown of posts. They need to provide the link to the post in their request.

It is not immediately clear if the new moderation policy is the company’s response to Durov’s arrest or how the introduction of these tools will help Telegram navigate the legal challenges.

Last month, Durov was arrested outside an airport in France for his platform’s alleged role in promoting illegal activities. The company reacted sharply to the arrest, saying its founder has “nothing to hide.” Recently, Durov issued a statement on his Telegram channel, calling the arrest “a misguided approach.” He said, “Using laws from the pre-smartphone era to charge a CEO with crimes committed by third parties on the platform he manages is a misguided approach.”