Telegram to Share Users’ IP Addresses and Phone Numbers with Law Enforcement, Confirms CEO

Telegram will now provide users’ IP addresses and phone numbers to law enforcement authorities when faced with valid legal requests, according to CEO Pavel Durov. This marks a significant shift for the messaging platform, which has long been known for its privacy-focused stance and reluctance to share user data with governments. Durov announced the change in a post on Telegram, stating that the new policy is aimed at preventing the platform from being misused by criminals.

The decision to amend Telegram’s terms of service comes in the wake of growing concerns about the misuse of the platform by bad actors, including those involved in criminal activities such as terrorism and child exploitation. Durov, who has consistently emphasized the platform’s commitment to privacy, acknowledged that Telegram’s previous approach may have inadvertently created a safe haven for illegal activities. He noted that the company’s new policy is intended to strike a balance between user privacy and the need for cooperation with authorities to combat serious crimes.

Durov’s announcement follows recent legal challenges, including his own arrest in France, where he faces charges related to the platform’s alleged role in facilitating the spread of child sexual abuse material. Although Durov denies any direct involvement, the incident has placed increased pressure on Telegram to tighten its moderation policies and cooperate with law enforcement to prevent the app from being exploited by criminals.

Historically, Telegram has been criticized for its lack of responsiveness to government requests for user data and its relatively relaxed moderation policies. Unlike platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, which have established protocols for handling requests from authorities, Telegram has frequently declined or ignored these demands. The platform’s end-to-end encryption and its refusal to share data with governments have made it popular among privacy advocates, but also a go-to tool for individuals and groups engaging in illicit activities.

The new terms of service signify a change in Telegram’s approach. Under the updated policy, the company will now comply with legally binding requests from law enforcement agencies to share users’ IP addresses and phone numbers in cases involving serious crimes, such as terrorism or child exploitation. This move, Durov explained, is designed to help authorities apprehend criminals while still maintaining the platform’s commitment to privacy for its general user base.

While the change in policy may alleviate some of the pressure on Telegram to curb criminal misuse, it is likely to spark debate among privacy advocates. Telegram has long been a favorite platform for users seeking secure, private communication, and any perceived erosion of that privacy could lead to backlash. However, Durov emphasized that the platform remains committed to safeguarding users’ personal data and that the new policy would only apply in cases involving serious legal infractions.