Mon Oct 07 23:34:03 UTC 2024: ## Telegram Confirms Disclosure of Criminal User Data, but Maintains Privacy Focus

**Dubai, UAE/London, UK** – Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has confirmed the messaging platform has been disclosing IP addresses and phone numbers of criminal users to authorities since 2018. This clarification comes after recent statements from Durov sparked speculation about a shift in Telegram’s privacy policies.

Durov emphasizes that Telegram has always responded to legitimate legal requests from authorities in most countries, adhering to its commitment to combat criminal activity. He cites examples of fulfilling 75 legal requests in Brazil and 2461 in India during the first quarter of 2024.

Despite these disclosures, Durov reassures users that Telegram’s core principles of privacy remain unchanged. The company maintains a balance between local legal compliance and its mission to protect users from oppressive governments or corporations, while ensuring criminals cannot exploit the platform.

Durov’s comments come on the heels of his arrest at a Paris airport and subsequent indictment on charges related to child sexual abuse imagery and drug trafficking via Telegram. He has been released under judicial supervision and remains in France.

Following his arrest, Telegram has also modified its stance on content moderation, removing language from its FAQ page that explicitly stated its refusal to process requests related to private chats. The platform now directs users to use the “report” button to flag illegal content for moderation.

This change signals a shift in Telegram’s approach to content moderation, acknowledging the need for improvement in the face of its growing user base, which now stands at 950 million.

Telegram’s financial activities, including significant holdings in cryptocurrency assets, remain a point of interest. The company reportedly held $400 million in digital assets in 2023, and Durov has previously stated that Telegram is valued at over $30 billion.

Despite recent controversies, Telegram asserts its commitment to both protecting user privacy and complying with legal obligations, aiming to maintain its position as a secure and user-friendly messaging platform.

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