Telegram has reportedly fulfilled 900 requests from U.S. authorities for user information in 2024, with a significant increase in inquiries following the arrest 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 between January and September.
However, the total number of requests for the year reached 900, affecting 2,253 users, indicating a sharp rise after October.
Telegram Has Been Sharing User Data with Authorities Since 2018
Durov was arrested on August 24 by French authorities on allegations that Telegram had been used to facilitate criminal activity.
In October, he acknowledged that the platform has been sharing user data with authorities upon request since 2018, a practice outlined in Telegram’s privacy policy.
As the legal case continues, Durov remains restricted from leaving France.
Despite these developments, Telegram remains popular, with over 950 million monthly active users as of September 2024, including a significant presence in the cryptocurrency community.
In October, Telegram announced that it is set to establish a local office in Kazakhstan.
At the time, Minister Zhaslan Madiyev said that Telegram’s physical presence in Kazakhstan would be an “important step to increase control” and oversight of content on the platform.
Telegram’s decision to set up an office in Kazakhstan came as part of its broader efforts to address regulatory concerns, which have also seen increased scrutiny in other countries.
In late August, French authorities indicted Durov over Telegram’s alleged failure to adequately prevent illegal activities on the platform.
Since then, Telegram has implemented several measures to address these concerns, 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 using artificial intelligence to detect and block illicit material.
Telegram Introduces NFT-Enabled Collectible Gifts
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 transforms digital gifts into unique collectible items with customizable attributes, which can be exchanged or sold on NFT marketplaces.
The gift custom attributes include background colors and icons, ensuring each item is distinct. 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 leveraging fake verification bots to inject malware, gaining access to victims’ crypto wallets.
The scammers lure 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.
The post Telegram Complies with More US Requests for User Data Following CEO’s Arrest in France: Report appeared first on Cryptonews.
