Telegram just announced a big change to how it’ll deal with some users’ data

Durov also announced changes to Telegram Search. A team of moderators swept the platform and removed any content that was deemed “problematic.”

The changes, Durov wrote, are designed to “discourage criminals.”

“Telegram Search is meant for finding friends and discovering news, not for promoting illegal goods,” he wrote.

The changes mark a significant step for Telegram, which has had a reputation for non-cooperation with authorities. The platform, which is known for its end-to-end encrypted messaging, has also faced years of backlash over its lack of content moderation.

In 2015, for example, Telegram came under scrutiny for harboring ISIS-affiliated channels. The platform has been used by the far-right to spread conspiracy theories, misogyny, and racism. Because Telegram has a big user base in Eastern Europe, it has also found itself at the heart of information — and misinformation — surrounding the war in Ukraine.

In August, Durov was arrested by French authorities and charged on allegations that Telegram was being used for criminal activities including drug trafficking and money laundering.

Durov remains in France under bail and was ordered to report to a police station twice a week, the Associated Press reported in August.

In a statement to Business Insider in August, Telegram representatives said Durov had “nothing to hide.” They said it was “absurd to claim that a platform or its owner is responsible for the abuse of that platform.”

He faces up to 10 years in prison and a 500,00 Euro or $55,000 fine, the AP reported, citing the Paris prosecutor’s office.

The high-profile arrest also drew the ire of X owner Elon Musk, who voiced his support for Durov and criticized the arrest as an attack on free speech.

Telegram did not immediately respond to a request for comment from BI sent outside regular business hours.