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Between Q1 and Q3 of 2024, there were only 14 requests in the US.

But Q4 saw 886 requests, an increase of over 6,000%.

Screenshot of Telegram Privacy Policy

Image: Screenshot of a section of Telegram’s Privacy Policy

There was a similar level of increase in the UK over the same period.

3 requests were filed between Q1 and Q3, and 139 in Q4 an increase of over 4,500%.

The first three quarters of 2024 saw around 2,000 requests in each and 7,649 in Q4.

Cartoon of person peering through US flag

In 2024 overall, India experienced 14,641 requests, with 23,535 users affected.

More information regarding Telegram transparency data can be foundhere.

Why has there been a significant change?

Surfshark graphic of 2024 data breaches

The change coincided with thearrest of Telegram CEOand founder, Pavel Durov, at the end of August 2024.

Is there a way of protecting your data?

Telegramis one of thebest encrypted messaging apps, but it isn’t quite as secure as you may think.

Chinese flag in the form of microchip

Unlike its rivalSignal, Telegram does not encrypt messages by default.

To enable this feature, users must select “start secret chat.”

What’s more, chats with over two users can’t be encrypted.

Broken speech bubble on red background

you could also use a VPN to hide your IP address from third-parties when using Telegram.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses.

For example: 1.

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Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).

Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services.

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Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

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