PANews reported on January 8 that according to Protos, in 2024, the instant messaging app Telegram significantly increased its responses to data requests, providing detailed information on more than 2,000 users to US authorities. This data comes from the platform's latest transparency report.
From January to September 2023, Telegram responded to only 14 requests for IP addresses and phone numbers from the United States, involving 108 users. However, throughout 2024, the platform responded to 900 US requests, affecting 2,253 users. This surge occurred after the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in August. After Durov's arrest, Telegram updated its privacy policy to make it clear that it would provide IP addresses and phone numbers to authorities upon valid legal order, whereas previously such information was only provided in requests related to terrorist crimes.
Telegram has long been seen as the preferred communication tool for criminal networks, especially in Southeast Asia. Criminals use the platform to launder money through cryptocurrencies, trade hacked data, and obtain fraud tools. According to a United Nations report, criminal enterprises in Southeast Asia make profits of approximately $27.4 billion to $36.5 billion each year. In addition, unlicensed crypto exchanges also advertise money laundering services on Telegram, and there are even advertisements claiming to "process 3 million USDT of stolen overseas funds every day."