In a notable update to its privacy policy, the Telegram messaging app has sparked privacy concerns among its users. The app will now share user data with relevant authorities in response to valid legal requests. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov made the announcement on September 23, stating that the app will disclose the IP addresses and phone numbers of users who violate its rules. This policy change has raised concerns regarding privacy-preserving technologies, as it contradicts Telegram’s foundational principles, according to Anndy Lian, an author and intergovernmental blockchain expert. Lian emphasized that this new policy represents a significant shift in Telegram’s user guidelines, prompted by concerns about the potential misuse of the platform for illegal activities. It is worth noting that this change came about a month after Durov’s arrest in France.
While this policy update may raise privacy concerns for Telegram users, its primary aim is to combat criminal activity on the platform. As part of Durov’s efforts to enhance safety, Telegram has implemented artificial intelligence algorithms and human moderators to remove any “problematic content” from Telegram Search. The recent policy shift is intended to make Telegram Search a safer space for users and deter criminal activity, as stated by Durov.
With over 900 million monthly active users as of April 2024, Telegram is currently the world’s fourth most popular online messenger app, as reported by Statista. Although Telegram’s policy update may come as a surprise to some, it is not unprecedented among the leading online messaging apps. WhatsApp, the largest messenger app in terms of users, is known for sharing user data with law enforcement, according to its privacy policy. Similarly, Meta’s Messenger also complies with requests from authorities. Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has fulfilled over 301,000 requests from authorities since July 2013, providing user data in over 77% of the total 528,000 legal requests received, as stated on its policy page.