Telegram has always refused to release its users’ data. But now the turnaround: For the first time, the messenger has forwarded user data to the BKA. This is a novelty – and has a specific reason.
Telegram has over 500 million users worldwide. The service achieved (dubious) fame especially during the corona pandemic, as more and more members of the “lateral thinker” movement and right-wing extremists used the messenger. The reason is, among other things, that Telegram, in contrast to other platforms, does not delete false reports and much larger groups than WhatsApp, for example, are possible. In addition, Telegram is committed to not passing on any user data and not collaborating with authorities. According to Spiegel, the service has now forwarded user information to the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA).
Telegram forwards data to the BKA
The Russian company was founded in 2013 by Pawel Durov. According to their own information, the company’s headquarters are in Dubai today, but there is no imprint on the Telegram page. Since then, the number of users has been growing steadily.
So far, German investigators have had no way of getting information about the messenger users. In a few exceptional cases, according to “Spiegel”, Telegram has now cooperated, specifically it is about the transfer of user data that was conspicuous in the areas of child abuse and terrorism.
Also interesting: Alternatives to WhatsApp and Telegram
Ministry with messenger service in exchange
In fact, there has probably already been an exchange between the German Ministry of the Interior and Telegram on several occasions. Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser said at the beginning of the year: “We have made contact with the top management of Telegram.” This contact has now apparently borne fruit.
Since then, according to Spiegel information, Telegram has set up an e-mail address especially for the BKA, which investigators can contact with inquiries and information about inappropriate content. Another indication of the cooperation is the blocking of Attila Hildmann’s account. After the EU sanctions against Russia came into force, the Russia Today channel is also no longer available via Telegram. However, experts continue to point to a problematic level of right-wing extremist content on the messenger.