Telegram to share sensitive user data following legal requests

In a significant development, Telegram has announced that it will now share users’ phone numbers and IP addresses with law enforcement authorities when users are found to violate the platform’s rules. This decision, disclosed by CEO Pavel Durov, follows the introduction of a revised privacy policy that permits such disclosures only after a valid court order is received, confirming that the user is a suspect in a criminal investigation that breaches Telegram’s Terms of Service.

Historically, Telegram’s stance on sharing sensitive user information was quite limited, permitting disclosure only in cases involving terrorism suspects. This policy update represents a notable expansion of the circumstances under which user data may be released to authorities, aligning with the growing scrutiny that social media platforms face regarding their responsibility in policing user behaviour.

Durov has made it clear that if Telegram is compelled to share user data, these incidents will be documented in a quarterly transparency report available to the public. However, as of now, the transparency submissions bot that allows users to access this information is not operational, with Telegram indicating that it is undergoing updates to provide current data.

 

In addition to this policy change, Durov announced Telegram improvements to its search functionality.

 

The search feature, which has been widely misused for promoting illegal goods, is now being refined with a dedicated team focused on removing harmful content from search results. Users are encouraged to report any illegal or unsafe materials they encounter through the @/SearchReport bot. Telegram’s moderation team is committed to reviewing all reports regarding search terms that might facilitate the discovery of illicit content.

Durov emphasised that these measures are intended to dissuade criminal activity, asserting that the search function should primarily serve the purposes of connecting friends and accessing news rather than facilitating illegal trade.

This policy adjustment follows a personal brush with the law for Durov, who was recently arrested in France amidst an investigation into Telegram’s alleged involvement in fraud, drug trafficking, and the distribution of illegal content. Although he was released on bail, he is currently restricted from leaving France while the investigation continues.

Further complicating matters, Ukraine’s National Coordination Centre for Cybersecurity has decided to ban Telegram on devices employed by government agencies and military units, citing pressing national security concerns. This series of developments highlights the evolving challenges that Telegram faces as it navigates user privacy and compliance with legal requests while aiming to maintain the integrity of its platform for its vast user base.