Telegram Sparks Outrage Over FAQ Changes Even as Key Language on Private Chats Remain

Late Thursday, users discovered social messaging platform Telegram had quietly removed part of a section from its FAQ relating to the moderation of private group chats. Though one key part surrounding the contentious language remains elsewhere, Decrypt has learned.

Telegram’s FAQ had previously stated, “All Telegram chats and group chats are private amongst their participants,” underneath a question relating to removing illegal content on the messaging app.

Telegram has now changed it to allow users to flag illegal content in private chats via a ‘report’ button or by emailing an abuse hotline, according to WaybackMachine.

While the line was removed from one part of the FAQ, it remains visible underneath the question regarding bot copyright infringements, where Telegram clarifies that private chats remain unmoderated.

Publicly available content like bots, channels, and sticker sets remain subject to scrutiny, further adding to the confusion.

Decrypt has contacted Telegram to clarify the language and whether or not it will take a more proactive stance in moderating illegal content. That’s a sore point for security advocates who were quick to highlight the language’s removal.

In any case, parts of the FAQ specifically addresses takedown requests, stating that Telegram processes those related to illegal public content but refuses to participate in politically motivated censorship. 

Telegram notes that it will only block content related to terrorism, like ISIS channels, while allowing peaceful expression of alternative opinions.

The update follows the arrest of Telegram’s co-founder, Pavel Durov, in France on Aug 25. Durov faces charges of failing to cooperate with authorities investigating illegal activities on the platform. 

On Thursday, Durov released a statement to X addressing the challenges brought by Telegram’s rapid growth, vowing to “significantly improve” oversight of criminal abuse on his platform.

Edited by Sebastian Sinclair