Telegram, one of the popular messaging app, has reported a significant increase in the number of user data requests it fulfilled for law enforcement agencies in 2024, according to newly released transparency data.
According to TechCrunch, the data shows Telegram provided user information, including phone numbers and IP addresses, to U.S. authorities on 900 occasions during the year, affecting 2,253 users.
This marks a dramatic increase from earlier in 2024 when the company responded to just 14 requests involving 108 users, as documented by a global crowdsourced map of requests produced by Meduza.
Indian authorities made the highest number of requests, with Telegram handing over data 14,641 times, affecting 23,535 users.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom saw a notable rise in fulfilled requests, with Telegram providing data on 142 occasions, impacting 293 users. This represents a sharp uptick from the single-digit figures reported in previous periods.
The rise in data sharing comes months after Telegram Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pavel Durov was arrested by French authorities in August 2024. The arrest was reportedly linked to Telegram’s long-standing refusal to cooperate in a child exploitation investigation. Following Durov’s arrest, the company appeared to soften its stance on handling abuse reports, leading to the observed increase in compliance.
Telegram’s transparency data is available exclusively to users with Telegram accounts and is limited to regional access.
TechCrunch also noted the importance of these figures in understanding the evolving approach of Telegram to law enforcement requests. The full details of Telegram’s transparency report can be accessed through the app.