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Telegram updated its FAQ to remove assurances about private chat protection.
The platform announced it would now provide user data to authorities for valid legal requests, responding to concerns about illegal activities on the app.
Previous Stance on Privacy
Previously, Telegram claimed that private chats were protected and that they did not process requests related to them.
The platform emphasized user privacy and limited data sharing, focusing primarily on terror-related information.
Modifications
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov stated that the platform will share user data, including phone numbers and IP addresses, to deter criminal activities.
Introduced features to help report illegal content and replaced the ‘People Nearby’ feature with a ‘Businesses Nearby’ feature.
Legal Responsibilities for Platforms
Platforms like Telegram are expected to comply with national regulations regarding unlawful content.
Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, offers a “safe harbour” provision, protecting platforms from liability if they show due diligence in managing content.
Obligations Under Indian Law
Intermediaries must respond swiftly to complaints about unlawful content.
They are required to remove content once notified of its illegality.
Telegram, like other platforms, has designated grievance officers to address user concerns and comply with Indian IT regulations.
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