Telegram has made a significant change to its FAQs, removing language that previously stated the platform does not moderate private and group chats, as reported by CoinDesk. The updated section now informs users that they can report illegal content to the app’s moderators using the “Report” button, which is available in all Telegram apps. Users can report content by tapping on the message on Android or pressing and holding it on iOS, and then selecting the Report option. Additionally, users can email the service’s takedown email address (abuse@telegram.org) to report content.
The change comes after Telegram’s chief, Pavel Durov, was arrested in France as part of an investigation into the platform’s lack of moderation and its failure to curb criminal activities on the app. Durov was charged with “complicity in distributing child pornography, illegal drugs, and hacking software” on Telegram, as well as “refusing to cooperate with investigations into illegal activity on the platform.”
In a public post, Durov expressed surprise at the arrest, stating that French authorities had numerous ways to reach him for assistance and that he had previously helped them establish a Telegram hotline to address threats of terrorism in the country. He also criticized the decision to charge him with crimes committed by third parties on the platform, calling it a “misguided approach.”
Durov emphasized that Telegram defends the basic rights of people, particularly in places where they are violated. He cited the example of Russia, where Telegram was banned for refusing to hand over encryption keys that would allow authorities to spy on users. The service takes down millions of harmful posts and channels every day, publishes transparency reports, and maintains direct hotlines with NGOs for urgent moderation requests.
However, Durov acknowledged that Telegram has room for improvement, citing the platform’s rapid growth to 950 million users, which caused “growing pains” that made it easier for criminals to abuse the platform. Telegram aims to “significantly improve things in this regard” and has already started the process internally. The change in its rules appears to be part of the platform’s efforts to address authorities’ accusations that it has failed to prevent criminals from using its app.
