Telegram, the popular messaging app, reportedly complied with 900 requests from US authorities in 2024 for user information, impacting the data of 2,253 users. This marks a significant surge in such requests, particularly after the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France.
Data Requests Surge After CEO’s Arrest
According to a January 7 report by 404 Media, Telegram responded to 14 US requests for IP addresses and phone numbers between January 1 and September 30, 2024. However, the total number of inquiries skyrocketed to 900 for the year, suggesting a sharp increase in requests after October.
The escalation followed the August 24 arrest of Durov by French authorities, who accused Telegram of facilitating criminal activity. In October, Durov confirmed that Telegram had been sharing IP addresses and phone numbers of alleged criminals with various governments upon request since 2018, as stated in the platform’s privacy policy.
Telegram’s Role in Global Privacy Debates
The arrest has kept Durov confined to France as the legal proceedings continue. Meanwhile, Telegram remains a critical platform for over 950 million monthly active users, including a significant portion of the crypto community, who value its perceived privacy features.
However, the recent disclosures raise questions about Telegram’s stance on privacy. While Durov has defended the platform’s policy of cooperating with law enforcement in cases involving criminal activity, some users remain concerned about the potential misuse of their data.
Privacy and Implications
Telegram’s policy of sharing user data has been a contentious topic since its introduction in 2018. While it applies primarily to investigations involving terrorism and other severe crimes, critics argue that it conflicts with the app’s reputation as a privacy-focused messaging service.
Durov has yet to issue a detailed statement on the increase in US data requests following his arrest. However, the incident highlights the growing tension between user privacy and government surveillance, particularly for platforms with massive global user bases.
