Telegram's capabilities are limited to collecting and transmitting data only about the user's phone number and approximate location. In addition, most of the accounts that attackers use to commit illegal actions are registered on fake SIM cards, information security specialist and head of the Law Enforcement Center in Moscow and the Moscow Region Alexander Khaminsky noted in an interview with RIA Novosti.
This is how the expert commented on the news that the data of messenger users who violate its rules may in the future be transferred to the authorities upon receipt of reasonable requests from them. This was previously stated by Telegram founder Pavel Durov.
“If it is enough to set up the appropriate filters to remove illegal content, then the situation is more complicated with the personal data of potential criminals. With all its desire, Telegram can only collect and transmit information about the phone number and, possibly, the approximate location of the subscriber,” Khaminsky explained.
The expert believes that this information will not be enough for law enforcement to track down and prosecute violators. However, he admitted that with the next update of the application, the messenger will be able to collect much more data about its users.
“In cases where there is a Telegram representative office in a foreign country whose intelligence services request information, the response to the request is carried out in accordance with local legislation. But if there is no such representative office, then it is unacceptable to directly request the messenger's administration,” Khaminsky emphasized. According to him, in this case, a request will have to be made to the country's Ministry of Justice, which, in turn, will redirect it to the country where the company's headquarters are located. Only after that will the petition reach the application's administration.
The information security specialist noted that national legislations apply different approaches to the volume of personal data transferred, in addition, there is no interstate agreement on the provision of legal assistance – all of which will become obstacles to the implementation of the idea.
As a result, Durov's statements risk being nothing more than empty promises. And it is impossible to predict how the authorities, on whose decisions the personal freedom of the Telegram founder depends, will act in such a situation, – summed up Alexander Khaminsky.
Telegram founder Durov believes that these data declassification measures will help deter criminals. He emphasized that the messenger is designed for receiving news and finding like-minded people, and not for committing illegal actions.
