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In a dramatic policy reversal, the popular messaging service Telegram has said it would reveal users' IP addresses and phone numbers to authorities in response to legitimate legal demands in an effort to rein in illegal behavior on the network.
"We've made it clear that the IP addresses and phone numbers of those who violate our rules can be disclosed to relevant authorities in response to valid legal requests," Telegram CEO Pavel Durov stated in a statement.
To that aim, the organization now openly declares –
"If Telegram receives a valid order from the relevant judicial authorities that confirms you're a suspect in a case involving criminal activities that violate the Telegram Terms of Service, we will perform a legal analysis of the request and may disclose your IP address and phone number to the relevant authorities."
Such data releases, it claimed, would be included in its monthly transparency reports. It also added that the service may collect information such as IP address, devices and Telegram applications used, and the history of username changes to handle spam, abuse, and other violations.
It's worth noting that a prior version of its policy applied exclusively to terror suspects: "If Telegram receives a court order that confirms you're a terror suspect, we may disclose your IP address and phone number to the relevant authorities."
The amendment to Telegram's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy is a big volte-face for the firm which has failed to regulate the platform for years, turning it become a major shelter for cybercrime and other criminal activities, including drug trafficking, child pornography, and money laundering.
The adjustments have also been spurred by the arrest of Durov in France amid charges that the firm turned a blind eye to different crimes proliferating unchecked on the platform. He was later freed on bond but has been ordered to remain in the country awaiting further inquiry.
Last week, the Ukrainian government claimed it was prohibiting the use of Telegram by government officials, military personnel, and other defense and key infrastructure workers, citing national security concerns.