Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Announces New Features and Moderation Efforts Following Release

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Unveils New Features Post-Release

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has announced a series of new features and moderation enhancements for the messaging platform, shortly after his release from French custody. The updates come as part of a broader effort to address concerns over illicit activities on the app.

In a recent post on his official Telegram channel, Durov highlighted that Telegram has reached 10 million paid subscribers for its Premium service. He noted, "Today, we're introducing new features while phasing out a few outdated ones." This move follows his recent legal troubles in France, where he was detained on charges related to the platform's alleged role in facilitating illicit content.

Durov explained that the surge in Telegram's user base to 950 million had inadvertently made it easier for criminals to exploit the platform. He denied accusations of the app's lack of cooperation with European authorities, attributing the problems to the rapid increase in users.

New Features and Moderation Efforts:

To address these issues, Telegram will phase out the "People Nearby" feature, which was used by less than 0.1% of users but had become a target for bots and scammers. In its place, Telegram will introduce "Businesses Nearby," allowing users to discover verified and legitimate businesses. These businesses will be able to showcase product catalogues and process payments directly through the app.

Another major change involves the discontinuation of image and video uploads on Telegraph, Telegram’s standalone blogging tool. Durov acknowledged that this feature had been misused by anonymous individuals.

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Durov emphasized that the majority of Telegram users are law-abiding and that the platform's reputation has been tarnished by a small fraction of users involved in illegal activities. He expressed his commitment to transforming Telegram into a platform praised for its integrity and security, stating, “Our new moderation measures are designed to improve the platform and address criticisms effectively.”

Source: MoneyControl