Telegram has announced that it will share users’ phone numbers and IP addresses with law enforcement under certain legal circumstances. CEO Pavel Durov revealed this update, which marks a departure from the platform’s previous stance on user privacy.
However, Durov clarified that Telegram will comply with the authorities only after receiving a valid court order. Also, for their data to be shared, the user in question must be suspected of violating Telegram’s Terms of Service in a criminal case.
The updated policy broadens Telegram’s data-sharing scope to include general criminal activity, whereas earlier, it was restricted to cases involving terrorism suspects. Durov emphasizes that each case would undergo legal review before any user data is disclosed.
“If Telegram receives a valid order from judicial authorities, confirming you’re a suspect in criminal activities that violate our Terms of Service, we may share your IP address and phone number,” Durov stated.
BleepingComputer noted that this shift reflects a growing trend among tech companies, balancing user privacy with legal obligations. However, concerns have already been raised about the potential misuse of this policy, especially in jurisdictions with less transparent legal systems.
Telegram also committed to greater transparency, with Durov promising to publish quarterly reports detailing instances where user data is shared. However, users seeking these updates will find that Telegram’s transparency bot is not yet operational.
A message on the bot states that current data is being updated, and full functionality is promised “within the next few days.”
Alongside the privacy policy update, Durov addressed another persistent issue: using Telegram’s search function to promote illegal goods and services. Telegram, with nearly a billion users, has often been criticised for facilitating illegal activities. Durov assured that a dedicated team has removed problematic content from search results.
The platform has also encouraged users to report illegal or unsafe material through the @SearchReport bot, claiming that a team of moderators will review these reports.
“These measures should discourage criminals,” Durov said, reaffirming Telegram’s stance against bad actors who compromise the platform’s integrity.
This update comes on the heels of Durov’s legal troubles. The Russian-born CEO was recently arrested in France in connection with an investigation into Telegram’s role in facilitating fraud, drug trafficking, and the distribution of illegal content.
Although Durov was released on bail, he remains under investigation and has been barred from leaving the country.
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