Telegram Privacy Policy Adjustment: Balancing User Protection and Compliance Requirements

The founder of Telegram recently announced that for users who violate the terms of service by abusing public channels for illegal activities, their IP addresses and phone numbers may be disclosed to relevant authorities upon legitimate request. This decision marks an important step for Telegram in terms of compliance, while also sparking discussions about the balance between privacy and security.

Telegram has always been known for its strong privacy protection and security, but in the face of increasing compliance demands from global regulators, it has had to make corresponding adjustments. After the founder became embroiled in legal issues, he chose to make a concession to compliance by "providing user IPs."

As an important platform for Web3 applications, Telegram has become the preferred social tool for many blockchain projects due to its large user base and open API interface. The platform not only supports tokens for channel trading activities but also integrates blockchain networks into the user interface of applications, covering multiple fields such as decentralized finance, domain names, and gaming.

This combination brings innovative experiences to users while also providing both parties with a significant increase in users. For example, click games on Telegram have attracted tens of millions of users through token rewards. Many blockchain projects also choose to maintain communities on Telegram, utilizing its convenient group and channel features to interact with users and share the latest news and project updates.

However, this convenience also brings potential risks. Some criminals exploit Telegram's privacy features for illegal transactions, money laundering, and even planning terrorist activities. While Telegram's end-to-end encryption, customizable privacy settings, and self-destruct features are designed to protect user privacy, they are also abused to conceal criminal activities.

In the face of these challenges, Telegram is taking steps to strengthen compliance. The platform has established a dedicated team that utilizes AI technology to filter illegal content from search results. By updating its terms of service and privacy policy, Telegram has demonstrated its determination to combat illegal activities and protect its users.

It is crucial to find a balance between protecting user privacy and complying with regulatory requirements. Telegram's new policy indicates that the platform will disclose information about violating users upon receiving a valid legal request. This practice helps prevent the platform from being abused while not excessively harming the privacy rights of most users.

Strengthening compliance regulation not only provides users with a safer and more trustworthy environment but also lays the foundation for Telegram's long-term development in the global market. However, relying solely on the efforts of social platforms is not enough. The widespread use of cryptocurrencies also requires corresponding regulatory measures. Especially stablecoins like USDT have become payment tools for many illegal activities.

Therefore, companies venturing into the cryptocurrency space should implement a robust KYT (Know Your Transaction) mechanism to ensure compliance with regulations and manage risks. Only through the joint efforts of social platforms and the cryptocurrency industry can a safer and more compliant digital ecosystem be created.