Telegram CEO Durov Clarifies IP Address Disclosure Policy Amid Cryptocurrency Use

• Telegram has long had the capability to disclose IP addresses and phone numbers in cases of criminal activity.
• CEO Pavel Durov clarified that recent posts simply reiterated existing practices.
• The platform’s approach to privacy and compliance with legal requests has been consistent since 2018.

Discover Telegram’s long-standing practice of sharing IP addresses and phone numbers to combat criminal activity while maintaining user privacy principles.

Telegram’s Stance on Data Disclosure for Criminal Activity

Telegram, renowned for its privacy-focused instant messaging service, has a transparent process for disclosing IP addresses and phone numbers linked to criminal activity. According to CEO Pavel Durov, these practices have been in effect since 2018. In a recent Telegram channel post on October 2, Durov clarified that the company’s policies and procedures remain unchanged, despite any misconceptions from previous communications.

Long-Standing Disclosure Policy

Telegram’s ability to share user data with law enforcement has been a cornerstone of its operations for years. Durov explained that the company has been disclosing IP addresses and phone numbers of dangerous criminals upon receiving duly formed legal requests. This measure aligns with Telegram’s privacy policies applicable in most countries. Durov highlighted, “Whenever we received a properly formed legal request via relevant communication lines, we would verify it and disclose the IP addresses/phone numbers of dangerous criminals.”

Transparency and Data Requests

To ensure transparency, Telegram employs the Transparency Bot, which provides data on the number of processed legal requests. The statistics for this data disclosure are telling. For instance, during the first quarter of 2024 in Brazil, there were 75 legal requests, 63 in the second quarter, and 65 in the third quarter. In India—the company’s largest market—the figures were even higher, with 2,461 requests in Q1, 2,151 in Q2, and 2,380 in Q3.

Consistent Privacy Principles

Despite various interpretations of recent updates, Durov asserts that Telegram’s core principles remain unchanged. The company strives to comply with local laws as long as these do not infringe on its values of freedom and privacy. Durov emphasized, “Telegram was built to protect activists and ordinary people from corrupt governments and corporations — we do not allow criminals to abuse our platform or evade justice.” These statements reflect Telegram’s ongoing commitment to balancing user privacy with the need to prevent criminal activities.

Conclusion

Telegram’s data disclosure practices exemplify its dedication to both privacy and legal compliance. While remaining a robust tool for freedom and privacy, it is proactive against criminal misuse. This careful balance has been maintained since 2018, reaffirming Telegram’s commitment to safeguarding its principles while adhering to necessary legal frameworks. As the platform continues to unify its privacy policies globally, its foundational values remain steadfast.