Will Telegram disclose user data upon request? Read the latest update from Pavel Durov

Telegram, the popular encrypted messaging service, will now disclose user data to authorities upon reasonable request, according to co-founder Pavel Durov. This update aims to deter criminal activities on the platform.

On his Telegram channel, Durov explained, "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." The company has updated its terms of service and privacy policy to ensure consistency globally, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

These changes are designed to prevent the abuse of Telegram's search function, which some users were exploiting to sell illegal goods. The platform has recently removed all problematic content from its searches.

Durov, a Russian national, was detained in Paris last month and subsequently released on a $5.6 million bail. He faces charges of failing to act against Telegram users involved in cyberbullying, sharing pedophilic content, and glorifying terrorism. Durov remains under judicial supervision and is prohibited from leaving France.