Telegram provided details of over 2,000 users to US authorities in 2024
<PANews> January 8 news, according to Protos, in 2024, the instant messaging app Telegram significantly increased its response to data requests, providing detailed information on more than 2,000 users to US authorities. This data is from the platform's latest transparency report.
From January to September 2023, Telegram only responded to 14 requests from the US for IP addresses and phone numbers, involving 108 users. However, in 2024, the platform responded to 900 US requests, affecting 2,253 users. This surge occurred after Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested in August. After Durov's arrest, Telegram updated its privacy policy, explicitly stating that it would provide IP addresses and phone numbers to authorities in response to valid legal orders, whereas previously it only provided such information in requests related to terrorism crimes.
For a long time, Telegram has been seen as the communication tool of choice for criminal networks, especially in Southeast Asia. Criminals use the platform to launder money through <crypto exchage>, trade hacked data, and obtain fraud tools. According to a UN report, criminal enterprises in Southeast Asia earn an estimated $27.4 billion to $36.5 billion annually. In addition, unlicensed <crypto exchage> are also advertising money laundering services on Telegram, with some ads claiming to "handle $3 million in stolen overseas funds per day" in <USDT>.
