What Happened
Telegram will now share the IP addresses and phone numbers of suspects with law enforcement, marking a significant shift in its privacy policies.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov announced that the platform’s updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy now allow the disclosure of user data to authorities if they receive a valid legal request involving criminal activities.
This change comes shortly after Durov’s arrest by French authorities as part of a sweeping criminal investigation into alleged violations, including money laundering and child sexual abuse material (CSAM). While Durov was detained for questioning, it remains unclear if he will face charges.
Previously, Telegram only cooperated with terror-related investigations, but the new policy broadens this to include any criminal activity that violates the platform’s rules.
This shift marks a major departure from Telegram’s longstanding reputation as a privacy-focused platform that resisted government surveillance.
Why It Matters
This policy change highlights a shift in Telegram’s approach to privacy, as the platform balances its commitment to user privacy with the need to comply with legal requests