Telegram Enhances Response to EU Authorities’ Requests

The messaging service Telegram has begun to swiftly process and respond to legal requests from European authorities. This was reported by the newspaper Liberation, citing law enforcement sources.

According to available information, Telegram responded to requests from the French National Police’s Juvenile Protection Unit and the Gendarmerie regarding several criminal investigations, providing data that could identify suspects. These cases particularly involve crimes against children.

“The door is indeed opening,” confirmed the Paris prosecutor’s office.

As a result, French oversight agencies have been advised to resume their own investigations into Telegram, which had previously been suspended.

“We have noted that for some time Telegram has been more inclined to cooperate with the justice system,” the Belgian federal prosecutor’s office told the publication.

In August, French authorities detained Telegram founder Pavel Durov as part of an investigation opened on July 8 against an “unidentified person” under 12 articles.

The charges include illegal provision of cryptographic services, refusal to cooperate with law enforcement, complicity in the distribution of child pornography, facilitation of drug trafficking, and involvement with organized crime.

On August 28, Durov was placed under judicial supervision with a €5 million bail and the obligation to report to the police twice a week. He is prohibited from leaving France until March 2025.

In his first post after release, Durov announced enhanced moderation on Telegram.

He stated that the messenger had long had multiple channels for law enforcement contact, including an official EU representative and a hotline to combat the threat of terrorism in France.