Search in the messenger Telegram has become safer. This was announced by the service's founder Pavel Durov. According to him, now the IP addresses and phone numbers of users who violated the site's rules can be disclosed to the relevant law enforcement agencies at the request of lawyers.

‘Search in Telegram is more powerful than in other messaging apps as it allows users to find publicly available channels and bots. Unfortunately, this feature was used by people who violated the terms of service to sell illegal goods,’ Durov wrote in his Telegram channel.

The businessman specified that a team of moderators using artificial intelligence (AI) made the messenger search much safer and problematic content became inaccessible. The Telegram founder added that users can report through Search Report any illegal items found in searches.

In addition, Telegram has updated its terms of service and privacy policy. Now they are harmonised worldwide, Durov explained. According to him, the app can disclose the phones and IP addresses of rule violators to the authorities upon request.

‘These measures should deter criminals. Search on Telegram is designed to find friends and news, not to promote illegal goods. We will not allow unscrupulous individuals to jeopardise the integrity of our platform for nearly a billion users,’ the businessman clarified.

Earlier, Pavel Durov was detained in France for refusing to co-operate in the fight against cybercrime. The court released him on a huge bail. Life.ru filmed how the founder of Telegram leaves the court after his release. Now the businessman is not allowed to leave the territory of France, he is charged with six offences. Durov promised that the messenger will start fighting the threat of terrorism. Meanwhile, Telegram has started co-operating with French law enforcement agencies.