Telegram will now provide users' IP addresses, phone numbers, and other details to relevant authorities in response to legal requests

Telegram has updated its privacy policy, stating that it will now disclose a user’s phone number and IP address if it receives a valid request from judicial authorities. This change follows the recent arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov by French authorities, who accused him of facilitating illegal activities on the platform.

In a post on Telegram, Durov explained that these modifications are intended to prevent criminals from misusing the app’s search function, which allows users to search for public channels and bots. He noted that some individuals have exploited this feature to sell illegal goods.

“If Telegram receives a legitimate order from relevant judicial authorities indicating that you are suspected of criminal activities violating Telegram's Terms of Service, we will conduct a legal review of the request and may share your IP address and phone number with the appropriate authorities,” Durov stated. “We have made it clear that we will not allow bad actors to jeopardize the platform's integrity by violating our rules.”