Telegram Revamps Rules to Allow Moderation of Private Chats Following CEO Pavel Durov’s Arrest

The move follows the CEO’s recent arrest in France for allegedly neglecting to monitor illegal content.

Telegram is making a significant shift in its approach to “illegal” activities on its messaging platform, just days after CEO Pavel Durov was detained in France for purportedly failing to regulate unlawful content.

On Thursday evening, the previously permissive messaging app announced that it would now allow moderators to monitor private chats. For the first time, users can report “illegal content” in these private conversations for review, as noted in an update on its FAQ page. Previously, private groups were considered off-limits for such oversight.

This subtle policy change may alter Telegram’s perceived role as a platform that French authorities have accused of enabling various illegal activities. Durov was arrested last month for allegedly allowing criminal behavior to persist on the app. While he has dismissed the charges as baseless, he is required to stay in France until his trial concludes.

Earlier on Thursday, Durov admitted in a Telegram post that the app’s swift expansion “has made it easier for criminals to exploit our platform,” and he pledged to implement changes.