In 2024, Telegram provided U.S. authorities with data on more than 2,200 users. According to available information, the number of requests fulfilled increased sharply in the last quarter of 2024, when Pavel Durov was already detained in France. Between January 1 and September 30, 2024, Telegram fulfilled 14 requests for “IP addresses and/or phone numbers” from U.S. authorities, affecting a total of 108 users. Meanwhile, for the whole of 2024, the messenger fulfilled 900 requests from the U.S., which impacted a total of 2,253 users. We’ll keep you updated if more figures or details emerge regarding these data requests.
Data Provided to U.S. Authorities
Telegram’s disclosure of data to U.S. authorities in 2024 has drawn attention from various observers. The number of requests jumped particularly in the final quarter of that year. Many link this increase to the period surrounding Pavel Durov’s detention in France. However, official statements from Telegram only note that they complied with legal requests for user information when presented with proper documentation or a court order.
Notably, Telegram’s compliance during the first nine months of 2024 amounted to only 14 fulfilled requests for U.S. agencies, affecting 108 users. By the end of the year, though, the total soared to 900 requests impacting 2,253 users. These numbers suggest a significant shift in Telegram’s approach, or perhaps simply reflect the growing volume of official requests.
Privacy Policy Updates and Global Requests
In September 2024, Telegram updated its privacy policy, indicating that the messenger is ready to provide personal data to state authorities if a court order is issued. This policy change occurred a month after Pavel Durov’s detention in France. At the same time, other countries also sent more requests for user information. For instance, India submitted 14,641 requests, Brazil 302, Spain 213, and Belgium 223. While fulfilling certain requests, Telegram continued to deny others. Specifically, it did not satisfy requests from Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, China, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Thailand, and Turkey.
Observers note that the reasons behind Telegram’s choices remain grounded in their updated legal and privacy standards. As the company reiterates, requests must be backed by valid legal grounds before they disclose user information. The decision not to comply with certain countries’ demands may be related to the nature of those requests, the lack of sufficient court orders, or Telegram’s own assessment of legal procedures.
All things considered, the major uptick in requests—from the United States and beyond—illustrates the growing interest in Telegram’s user base by global authorities, notes NIX Solutions. The exact details behind each request may vary, but the overall trend indicates a shift in how messaging platforms are interacting with government bodies. Any further developments regarding Pavel Durov’s legal status or Telegram’s data-sharing approach could potentially influence how such requests are handled in the future. We will keep monitoring the situation, and we’ll keep you updated if new information comes to light.