Telegram Removes One of Its Most Distinctive (and Risky) Features: 'People Nearby' is Gone

Telegram has recently come under scrutiny following the arrest of its CEO, Pavel Durov, in France a few weeks ago. The messaging app was widely regarded as a strong competitor to WhatsApp, offering a more open platform for communication and greater freedom of expression. However, Telegram has also been a gateway to activities more associated with the deep web than with a simple chat app. A prime example of this was its now-removed 'People Nearby' feature.

Imagine walking through a city and discovering that someone nearby is using the same messaging app as you. This was the idea behind Telegram's "People Nearby" feature, a tool designed to connect people based on their physical proximity.

It didn't take long to realize, though, that the feature was also an excellent tool for illicit activities, such as drug deals or prostitution. With the latest update, Telegram has quietly removed this feature without offering any explanation.

The Origins and Initial Uses of "People Nearby" Introduced in 2019, the "People Nearby" feature was aimed at helping users connect with others within a close radius. Initially, it was seen as an innovative way to meet new people or connect with friends at events and public spaces. The tool was ideal for discovering people with shared interests or participating in the same local groups. In many ways, it resembled dating apps but without the explicit intent to form romantic relationships.

The basic premise was simple: enabling geolocation within the app allowed users to see others nearby and start a conversation. During its early months, the feature was mainly used in large cities to facilitate spontaneous social encounters and gatherings at large events. Its integration with groups also allowed entire communities to meet without exchanging private data. However, it wasn’t all positive.

The Problems Behind the Feature It didn’t take long for the feature’s weaknesses to surface. While it aimed to bring people together, it quickly became a magnet for bots and scammers, who exploited the real-time visibility to deceive users.

Fake profiles emerged, sending unsolicited messages, offering fraudulent products, or attempting romantic scams, leveraging the perceived proximity to quickly build trust.

As complaints and incidents increased, Telegram made partial attempts to mitigate the issue, but the misuse of the feature was widespread. Efforts to moderate the tool were overwhelmed by the ingenuity of scammers. The very openness and freedom that Telegram, under Durov's leadership, had championed began to backfire.

The New Strategy: 'Businesses Nearby' The removal of the 'People Nearby' feature has paved the way for an alternative aimed at regaining user trust without sacrificing local connectivity. With the new "Businesses Nearby" feature, Telegram is taking a more commercial and secure approach, allowing users to find local businesses and legitimate services in their area.

This change not only reduces the risk of unwanted interactions with fake profiles but also creates a trusted space where users can engage with verified businesses.

This strategic shift addresses an increasingly evident need: Telegram's quest to stay competitive while ensuring user safety. The new feature is designed to promote local commerce, particularly as more businesses seek to digitize their services and reach consumers in innovative ways.

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The Challenges of Moderation on Telegram The end of the 'People Nearby' feature is just one example of the challenges Telegram faces in terms of moderation and security. Although the platform has grown significantly, nearing a billion users, its decentralized approach and strong stance on free speech have drawn criticism for its inability to control certain types of abuse.

Telegram has long been associated with illicit activities, from distributing illegal content to drug trafficking, placing the company under the watchful eye of international authorities.