Telegram founder Pavel Durov recently addressed concerns surrounding the platform’s privacy policies, emphasizing that no major changes have been made to how Telegram handles user data. Durov explained that since 2018, Telegram has disclosed IP addresses and phone numbers of criminals when legally required, reaffirming the platform’s commitment to balancing privacy with compliance.
Pavel Durov Clarifies Telegram’s Privacy Policy
In a recent post on his Telegram channel, Durov clarified that the platform’s data handling policies have remained consistent. He highlighted that Telegram has, since 2018, been disclosing IP addresses and phone numbers of dangerous criminals to law enforcement when presented with valid legal requests, in accordance with privacy policies in most countries.
Durov elaborated: “Whenever we received a properly formed legal request via relevant channels, we would verify and disclose the IP addresses/phone numbers of criminals. This has been the case long before recent discussions emerged.”
Telegram’s Transparency on Legal Requests
Durov also shared insights into Telegram’s transparency efforts, including the use of a transparency bot that publicly displays the number of processed legal requests. For example, during Q1 2024, Telegram fulfilled 75 requests in Brazil and more than 2,000 requests in India, its largest market. In Europe, the number of valid requests increased after authorities started using the proper channels as mandated by the EU’s Digital Services Act.
Streamlined Privacy Policy, Core Principles Unchanged
To address confusion, Telegram streamlined and unified its privacy policies across different regions last week. However, Durov assured users that the core principles of the platform — privacy and freedom — remain intact. He reiterated: “Telegram was built to protect activists and ordinary users from corrupt governments and corporations. We do not allow criminals to misuse our platform to evade justice.”
Legal Matters and Continued Commitment
In August, Durov faced legal challenges when French authorities detained him over alleged illegal activities tied to Telegram. He was later released on a €5 million bail but remains under judicial supervision, preventing him from leaving the country.
Durov concluded by emphasizing Telegram’s mission to protect user privacy while complying with legal requirements, ensuring that the platform remains a safe space for law-abiding users.
What Do You Think?
Telegram’s privacy policies continue to evolve, but its commitment to user privacy and compliance is clear. How do you feel about Telegram’s approach to handling user data while adhering to legal standards? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
