The messaging platform Telegram has published its transparency report for 2024, which reveals that it provided information on 518 users to Spanish authorities in response to 213 official requests. The increasing regulatory pressure in Europe and recent legal challenges have led the company to modify its cooperation policy with governments.
From Resistance to Compliance
Just a year ago, Telegram was at the center of controversy in Spain when Judge Santiago Pedraz ordered its blocking after the company’s refusal to provide information about channels sharing copyrighted content. The situation escalated internationally with the arrest of Pavel Durov, the platform’s founder, in France, accused of not cooperating with authorities in similar cases.
Since then, Telegram has adjusted its terms of service to comply with the Digital Services Act (DSA) of the European Union, establishing communication mechanisms with authorities and committing to the regular publication of transparency reports.
The Rise of Information Requests in Spain
Telegram’s transparency report shows a clear evolution in its level of cooperation with the Spanish justice system. During the first nine months of 2024, the company responded to 22 requests, identifying 85 users. However, between October and December, requests increased to 191, affecting 433 users.
| Period | Requests Received | Identified Users |
|---|---|---|
| January – September | 22 | 85 |
| October – December | 191 | 433 |
| Total 2024 | 213 | 518 |
This increase suggests a shift in Telegram’s stance towards judicial demands, reflecting a strategy more aligned with European regulation and greater collaboration with law enforcement.
Telegram and Transparency in the Digital Age
To reinforce its commitment to transparency, Telegram has launched a transparency bot (@transparency) that allows users to check in real time the government requests received in various countries. Additionally, its official portal details how the company manages these requests within the framework of the EU Digital Services Act.
The Impact on Privacy and the Future of Telegram
This change in Telegram’s policy has raised concerns among privacy advocates, given that the platform has historically been viewed as a safer alternative to other messaging apps.
“The balance between privacy and regulatory compliance is becoming increasingly complex. Telegram is at a point where it must decide how far it is willing to go to comply with laws without losing the trust of its users,” explains a cybersecurity expert.
The evolution of regulation in Europe and the growing demands for transparency could set a precedent for other messaging platforms like Signal and WhatsApp, which may face similar demands in the future.
Meanwhile, Telegram has confirmed that it will continue to adjust its cooperation policies with authorities and publish transparency reports regularly to keep its users informed about data handling on the platform.
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