Telegram Data Sharing Policies: What You Should Know

[fatimahislam]

Telegram has long been lauded for its strong stance on user privacy and security, often contrasting itself with other major messaging platforms. However, its data sharing policies, while generally restrictive, are not absolute and have seen some important developments over time. Understanding these policies is crucial for users to make informed decisions about their privacy on the platform.

Telegram's Core Privacy Principles

Telegram's privacy policy is built upon two fundamental principles:

No Ads Based on User Data: Telegram explicitly states that telegram data it does not use your personal data to show you targeted advertisements. While public channels may feature sponsored messages, these are context-based, not tailored to individual user profiles.

Minimal Data Storage: Telegram aims to only store the data necessary for its services to function securely and efficiently.
What Data Does Telegram Collect?

To operate, Telegram necessarily collects certain types of data:

Basic Account Data: This includes your mobile number (as a unique identifier), and your chosen screen name, profile picture, and "about" information. Telegram does not require your real name.
Contacts: With your explicit permission, Telegram can sync your phone contacts to help you discover and connect with friends on the platform. You have the option to stop syncing contacts or delete them from Telegram's servers.

Cloud Chats: Messages, photos, videos, and documents from your regular "Cloud Chats" (private messages, groups, channels) are stored encrypted on Telegram's servers. This enables seamless multi-device access and cloud backup. Crucially, Telegram holds the encryption keys for these chats, meaning they theoretically could access the content if compelled.
Secret Chats: These are Telegram's truly end-to-end encrypted chats. Messages in Secret Chats are not stored on Telegram's servers, and Telegram does not hold the encryption keys. Therefore, the content of Secret Chats is inaccessible to Telegram and cannot be shared.


Metadata: Telegram collects metadata such as your IP address, device information, and history of username changes. This data is primarily used for security, spam prevention, and abuse detection, and is stated to be retained for a maximum of 12 months.
Telegram's Stance on Data Sharing with Third Parties and Governments

Telegram has historically maintained a strong anti-surveillance stance, often publicly resisting government requests for user data. However, there have been notable shifts in its policy, particularly concerning criminal activities:

No Sharing with Third Parties (for advertising): Telegram has consistently affirmed that it does not share user data with third parties for advertising purposes.
Limited Sharing with Governments (Recent Changes): This is where Telegram's policy has evolved. While Telegram's Secret Chats remain inaccessible even to Telegram itself due to end-to-end encryption, the company has clarified its position on Cloud Chats and metadata in response to increasing pressure regarding illegal activities on the platform.
Prior Stance: Previously, Telegram stated it would only disclose IP addresses and phone numbers of users suspected of terrorism, and claimed no such disclosures had ever been made.
Current Stance (as of late 2024): Telegram has publicly stated that it may disclose IP addresses and phone numbers of users suspected of serious criminal activities (including cybercrime, drug trafficking, and other illicit activities that violate Telegram's Terms of Service) in response to valid legal requests, such as a court order. This marks a significant departure from its previous, more absolute resistance. Telegram has committed to releasing quarterly transparency reports detailing such disclosures.