Washington Washington: Popular encrypted messaging service Telegram will now disclose user data to authorities upon reasonable request, according to co-founder Pavel Durov. The update is aimed at preventing criminal activities on the platform. On his Telegram channel, Durov explained, “We have made it clear that IP addresses and phone numbers of those who violate our rules may be disclosed to the relevant authorities in response to legitimate legal requests.” The company has updated its terms of service and privacy policy to ensure consistency globally, Xinhua news agency reports.

These changes are designed to prevent abuse of Telegram's search function, which some users were exploiting to sell illegal goods. The platform recently removed all problematic content from its searches. Russian citizen Durov was detained in Paris last month and later released on $5.6 million bail. He is accused of failing to take action against Telegram users involved in cyberbullying, sharing pedophile material and glorifying terrorism. Durov is under judicial supervision and is banned from leaving France.