Telegram Increases Data Sharing with Spanish Authorities Following Founder’s Arrest

Telegram, historically known for its strong stance on privacy and reluctance to cooperate with governments, has significantly increased its collaboration with Spanish authorities over the past year. According to the platform’s transparency report, user data exchanges with Spain jumped from zero in 2023 to 518 users in 2024, and then to 595 users in the first quarter of 2025 alone. The turning point came after the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France on August 24, 2024, over allegations of failing to moderate illegal content and resisting judicial investigations. Following his release on bail, Durov announced a shift in Telegram’s policy: the platform would now provide IP addresses and phone numbers of users violating platform rules in response to valid legal requests. Spain, which had previously faced tensions with Telegram—including a temporary judicial order to block the platform—has now seen the app adopt a cooperative approach aligned with the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires large tech platforms to assist authorities in combating illegal content. This policy change marks a significant departure from Telegram’s former privacy-centric image and demonstrates the influence of legal pressures on global tech companies.