In 2024, Telegram, a widely-used messaging service, showed a marked increase in its collaboration with U.S. law enforcement agencies, disclosing user data in over 2,000 instances. This substantial rise was unveiled in recent platform statistics, suggesting a change in their stance on user privacy protection.
According to a report by 4040 Media, during the initial nine months of 2024, Telegram complied with 14 demands from U.S. officials for user IP addresses and phone numbers, impacting around 108 individuals.
During the period from October through December, the company met 900 data requests, affecting a total of 2,253 users. This significant rise indicates an increased readiness on the company’s part to disclose user information.
The events unfolded when Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, was apprehended in August. This action came after Telegram initially declined to cooperate with an investigation into child abuse cases. Subsequently, Telegram revised its privacy policy to include the sharing of user data with authorities for legitimate legal purposes, a practice they previously adhered to only when dealing with potential terrorism-related offenses.
While Telegram is generally known for its secure nature thanks to its encryption features, recent advancements have sparked worries over user privacy. Some users are now doubting the authenticity of the app’s promises regarding secure communication.
The reach of Telegram surpasses just everyday users; it’s also a preferred platform among criminal networks, particularly in Southeast Asia, who utilize it for illicit activities like laundering stolen assets through cryptocurrencies, trading pilfered data, and procuring fraudulent tools.
According to a UN report, an app has significantly changed how criminal organizations conduct their illegal operations worldwide. Among these groups are Southeast Asian Chinese syndicates who are estimated to earn anywhere from 27.4 billion to 36.5 billion dollars each year through these illicit activities.
Unauthorized cryptocurrency trading platforms are likewise leveraging Telegram as a platform for promoting money laundering operations. An advertisement scrutinized by the United Nations boasted of managing approximately $3 million in daily transactions of allegedly stolen USDT funds.
While adhering to legal demands might allay fears regarding criminal misuse of Telegram, it potentially risks losing privacy-focused users. At present, the service’s image as a reliable secure messaging platform is being questioned.
Read More
- 15 Charged for converting Drug Cartels’ Cash into Cryptocurrency in U.S.
- XRP Price Eyes $2 Support Level Amidst Market Correction
- OREO Unveils Six New Products for 2025
- PYTH PREDICTION. PYTH cryptocurrency
- ‘Brides’ Finds a Distributor in Neon for Latest New Vampire Horror Movie
- Google’s Willow Quantum Chip Sparks Bitcoin Security Debate
- TROTOAR Gallery Bridges Local and Global Art with ‘That’s What’s Up!’
- ‘Fast and Furious’ Star Paul Walker Remembered 11 Years After His Death
- Apple Lands Anya Taylor-Joy Led Drama ‘Lucky,’ Based on Bestseller
- India signals no fixed timeline for crypto rules, calls for global alliance
2025-01-07 21:08