Your data, including your phone number and IP address from the popular messaging app Telegram, could soon be available to authorities.
Telegram updated its privacy terms of service with the new direction in a bid to discourage criminals, according to CEO Pavel Durov.
In the updated terms of service, Telegram will surrender a user's IP address and phone number if they receive a valid order from relevant judicial authorities, especially if the case involves a violation of the platform's terms of service.
Durov noted that while a majority of Telegram users did not engage in unscrupulous activity on the platform, a small percentage pose a threat.
“While 99.999% of Telegram users have nothing to do with crime, the 0.001% involved in illicit activities create a bad image for the entire platform, putting the interests of our almost billion users at risk,” he observed.
Besides the IP address, the service could also collect a user's history of username changes, devices and Telegram apps used.
The main individuals being targeted by the updated terms of service are terror suspects.
Telegram was launched in 2013 by Durov and his brother Nikolai, initially starting out as a messaging app which prioritised speed and security. The app also initially intended to have as little government interference as possible.
In August 2024, Durov was arrested and charged with enabling criminal activities through his platform. He has since claimed the charges were "misguided".
With the platform crossing the 950 million active users mark, Durov admitted one of the biggest challenges was striking a balance between privacy and security.
"That's why I made it my personal goal to ensure we significantly improve things in this regard," he said. "We've already started that process internally, and I will share more details on our progress with you very soon."
Kenya has an estimated 15.6 million Telegram users, with the app fast growing popularity in the country.
Countries like Ukraine have banned the use of Telegram by government officials, military personnel, and other defence and critical infrastructure workers over security concerns.
