Telegram to Share User IPs and Phone Numbers on Legal Request

Telegram now shares users’ IP addresses and phone numbers with authorities after valid legal requests. This policy change affects privacy-focused users like journalists and whistleblowers while helping fight criminal activities.

Telegram, known for its privacy protections, has revised its policies to allow the sharing of users’ IP addresses and phone numbers with law enforcement upon valid legal requests. This change comes in the wake of the recent arrest of the platform’s founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, in France, where he faced charges related to facilitating criminal activity on the platform.

Telegram, with over 950 million users globally, is known for providing a secure space for activists, journalists, and even those seeking to escape oppressive regimes. However, its reputation has also made it a haven for illegal activities, including cybercrime, hosting malware, ransomware, and the distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

The Arrest of Pavel Durov

In August 2024, Durov was arrested upon landing in France. The arrest was part of an investigation into Telegram’s alleged failure to moderate illegal content and its limited cooperation with law enforcement.

French authorities cited instances of drug trafficking, fraud, and the sharing of CSAM through the app. Although Durov was released on bail, he remains under investigation and is prohibited from leaving the country until the case is resolved.

Telegram’s New Privacy Policy

Telegram’s updated privacy policy is a direct response to mounting pressure from global law enforcement agencies. Previously, the platform only shared user data in cases involving terrorism. However, with the new policy in effect as of September 2024, Telegram will now disclose the IP addresses and phone numbers of users “suspected in a case involving criminal activities that violate the Telegram Terms of Service.”

The updated terms and conditions for Telegram can be read here, while the archived version of the policy is available here.

This disclosure will occur only after a valid court order is received, and Telegram has committed to publishing quarterly transparency reports detailing any data-sharing incidents.

Text in green shows previous data sharing policy – Text in red shows the updated terms of services (Screenshot: Hackread.com)

Impact on Telegram’s User Base

This change is expected to have mixed consequences for Telegram’s vast user base. On one hand, privacy advocates, journalists, and whistleblowers, who once viewed Telegram as a secure platform, are likely to seek alternative communication methods.

For them, the ability to communicate without fear of government surveillance has been a core reason for using Telegram. The new policy threatens to harm that trust, particularly in countries where dissidents rely on encrypted platforms to avoid persecution.

On the other hand, the decision to share IP addresses in criminal cases could be seen as a positive step in combatting illegal activities. Telegram has long been criticized for hosting groups that share CSAM, illegal goods, and other illicit content. Law enforcement agencies have struggled to infiltrate these channels, and Telegram’s updated stance may help identify and arrest those responsible for such content.

Nevertheless, Telegram’s decision to work with law enforcement instead of focusing solely on privacy is a big change for the platform. Now, it has to find a balance between helping fight crime and keeping user privacy safe. Some people think this is a much-needed step to stop illegal activities, while others feel it could mean Telegram is no longer a secure place for private conversations.

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