In a major shift from its previous stance on user privacy, messaging platform Telegram has disclosed providing data on over 2,200 users to US law enforcement agencies in 2024, according to the company's latest transparency report.
The messaging app handed over IP addresses and phone numbers for 2,253 users in response to 900 requests from American authorities. This marks a dramatic increase from earlier in 2024 when Telegram processed only 14 such requests between January and September.
The change in policy followed the August 2024 arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France over allegations of failing to assist in child sexual abuse investigations. In September, Durov announced the company would begin complying with government data requests - a practice it had long opposed.
The transparency report, available through Telegram's channels, reveals similar cooperation with other countries. UK authorities received data on 293 users across 142 requests, while German law enforcement obtained information on 2,237 users through 945 requests. Spanish authorities accessed data on 518 users via 213 requests.
Law enforcement sources indicate this policy change has impacted criminal activity on the platform. According to one federal investigator, users involved in child exploitation material are reportedly leaving Telegram as they realize the platform now cooperates with authorities.
Despite ongoing legal challenges, including a separate investigation into alleged violence against his child, Durov remains free. He recently announced Telegram achieved profitability for the first time, with revenue exceeding $1 billion in 2025.
This development represents a notable departure from Telegram's previous reputation as a privacy-focused messaging service that resisted government oversight.