Telegram Can Now Disclose Phone Numbers and IP Addresses to Law Enforcement

• Telegram has updated its privacy policy to include new provisions for sharing users’ sensitive information with law enforcement.
• The new guidelines favor releasing user phone numbers and IP addresses if a court order is issued.
• This change aims to show collaboration with law enforcement concerning criminal activity.

Telegram may now disclose users' phone numbers and IP addresses if proven to breach the platform's Terms of Service following a legitimate court order indicating involvement in criminal activities, according to an updated privacy policy announced by CEO Pavel Durov on Monday.

Previously, Telegram restricted data sharing to cases involving terror suspects. Under the new policy, the platform will comply with judicial authorities' requests to confirm a user's involvement in criminal activities that violate Telegram's rules.

Data disclosure will occur only after Telegram performs a thorough legal analysis upon receiving a valid court order. Although promised, Telegram's transparency submission bot isn't fully functional. A message on the transparency channel indicates that updates are underway.

Telegram's updated policy coincides with an improvement to its search feature, which is notorious for abuse in promoting illegal goods. Durov announced a dedicated team is actively removing problematic content from search results.

Users are encouraged to report suspicious materials using the @SearchReport bot. The app reassures users that a moderation team will meticulously review reports related to illegal content.

Telegram's recent policy changes reflect its efforts to balance user privacy with legal responsibilities. However, these developments raise concerns about data privacy, especially among users who value anonymity.

These policy adjustments come at a tumultuous time for Telegram. Durov was recently arrested in France during investigations into Telegram’s misuse for illegal activities. Although released on bail, Durov remains under scrutiny by French authorities.

Recently, Ukraine banned the use of the Telegram messaging app on the official devices of government officials, military personnel, and critical workers due to concerns over potential Russian espionage activities.