Telegram Adheres to Additional US Demands for Individual Information After CEO’s Detention in France: Report

Telegram has allegedly complied with 900 requests from U.S. authorities for user information in 2024, with a significant increase in inquiries following the detention of its CEO, Pavel Durov, in France.

According to a January 7 report by 404 Media, Telegram provided information such as IP addresses and phone numbers for 14 requests from January to September.

However, the total number of requests for the year reached 900, impacting 2,253 users, indicating a sharp rise after October.

Telegram Has Been Disclosing User Data to Authorities Since 2018

Durov was apprehended on August 24 by French authorities on accusations that Telegram had been utilized to facilitate illegal activities.

In October, he confirmed that the platform has been disclosing user data to authorities upon request since 2018, a practice outlined in Telegram’s privacy policy.

I’m still trying to understand what occurred in France. However, we hear the concerns. I made it my personal goal to prevent abusers of Telegram’s platform from interfering with the future of our 950+ million users.
My full post below. https://t.co/cDvRSodjst

— Pavel Durov (@durov) September 5, 2024

As the legal proceedings continue, Durov remains restricted from departing France.

Despite these developments, Telegram continues to be popular, boasting over 950 million monthly active users as of September 2024, including a significant presence within the cryptocurrency community.

In October, Telegram announced plans to establish a local office in Kazakhstan.

At that time, Minister Zhaslan Madiyev stated that Telegram’s physical presence in Kazakhstan would be an “important step to enhance control” and oversight of content on the platform.

Telegram’s decision to set up an office in Kazakhstan is part of its broader efforts to address regulatory concerns, which have also seen increased scrutiny in other nations.

In late August, French authorities charged Durov over Telegram’s alleged failure to adequately prevent illegal activities on the platform.

Since then, Telegram has implemented several measures to address these issues, including sharing user information, such as IP addresses and phone numbers, with authorities when necessary.

The platform has also made significant updates to its search engine, removing problematic content and employing artificial intelligence to detect and block illicit materials.

Telegram Introduces NFT-Enabled Collectible Items

The encrypted messaging platform’s latest update allows users to upgrade gifts into non-fungible tokens (NFTs), enabling trading and ownership on blockchain platforms.

As reported, the new feature converts digital gifts into unique collectible items with customizable attributes, which can be exchanged or sold on NFT marketplaces.

The customizable attributes of the gifts include background colors and icons, ensuring each item is unique. Upgrading requires Telegram Stars, the platform’s digital currency, to cover blockchain fees.

Over 20 types of digital gifts are eligible for this upgrade, including items like Jelly Bunny and Santa Hat.

Scam Sniffer, a blockchain security firm, recently identified new schemes exploiting Telegram bots to target cryptocurrency users.

Scammers are using fake verification bots to inject malware, gaining access to victims’ crypto wallets.

The scammers entice users into Telegram groups by impersonating well-known crypto influencers through fake accounts on X.

Within these groups, users are instructed to verify their accounts using a bot named “OfficiaISafeguardBot,” which facilitates the malware injection.

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