Telegram shares IP addresses and phone numbers in illegal activities

Messaging app makes concessions to French law enforcement

Life

Pavel Doerov, Telegram

Telegram will henceforth provide IP addresses and phone numbers by default when requested by relevant authorities. Previously, the developers of the secure messaging app was only willing to do so if there were suspicions of terrorism. The platform shares data only if there is suspected criminal activity.

Telegram has now also removed many illegal channels from its search function. That way, many users ended up with illegal goods, for example, including drugs and weapons.

Founder Pavel Durov said the measures should discourage criminals. “Telegram Search is meant for finding friends and discovering news, not for promoting illegal goods.

The policy change comes after Doerov was detained by French authorities at Paris airport for crimes committed on the app. Among other offences, he is accused of being complicit in spreading child abuse, terror-related issues and drug trafficking.

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