Telegram Tightens Privacy Policy to Share User Data with Law Enforcement

Friday, 18 July 2025 09:05

Telegram has updated its privacy policy to allow data sharing with law enforcement under certain circumstances, expanding the scope of crimes covered beyond terrorism.

illustration telegram privacy policy © copyright Oleksandr P - Pexels

Telegram, a widely-used messaging platform, has introduced changes to its privacy policy that will allow the company to share user information with law enforcement agencies in specific scenarios. This updated policy outlines the circumstances under which Telegram may disclose user data, such as IP addresses and phone numbers, to authorities.

According to Telegram's revised privacy policy, the company may provide user information if they receive a legitimate legal request verifying that the user is suspected of criminal activity that violates Telegram's Terms of Service. Telegram will carefully examine each request through a legal analysis and will only share data if it's conclusively proven that the user is involved in such activities.

Expanded Scope of Data Sharing

This new policy broadens the scope of crimes that can trigger Telegram to share user data with authorities. Previously, this provision was limited to terrorism-related cases. However, the updated policy expands this scope to encompass a wider range of offenses that violate Telegram's Terms of Service.

Pavel Durov, Telegram's CEO, has explained that this revised privacy policy aims to enhance the platform's security and prevent its misuse by criminal elements. He emphasizes that Telegram will not permit criminals to jeopardize the integrity of the platform, which serves nearly one billion users.

Key Takeaways from the Updated Policy

  1. Legal Requests: Telegram will cooperate with valid legal requests from authorities.
  2. Criminal Activity: The policy covers crimes that violate Telegram's Terms of Service, encompassing a wider range of offenses than just terrorism.
  3. Data Disclosure: Information shared includes IP addresses and phone numbers.
  4. Transparency: Telegram publishes a quarterly transparency report detailing instances where data has been shared.

While Telegram has expanded its data sharing policy, it underscores the significance of legal requests and a thorough analysis of each case. The company remains dedicated to safeguarding user privacy and ensuring the platform's security.

Related Articles

Windows 11's Recall Feature: A Privacy Threat Under the Guise of Convenience?
Google Expands Passkey Support for Seamless and Secure Sign-Ins
Clues Your WhatsApp Contact Might Have Blocked You
Boosting WhatsApp Security: 8 Essential Steps to Safeguard Your Account
Keep Your WhatsApp Conversations Private with Chat Lock Feature
LinkedIn Confirms Using User Data for AI Training, Offers Opt-Out Option
WhatsApp's New 'Get Link Info' Feature Helps Users Stay Safe Online
Unlock Gmail's Hidden Gems: Efficiency and Security Tips
Boost Your Online Security: Five Essential Steps
Take Control of Your Online Privacy: How to Stop Google From Tracking Your Activity
7 Things You Should Never Share on Social Media
Silence WhatsApp Calls Without Blocking Contacts