Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has admitted to sharing user data with law enforcement since 2018, including IP addresses and phone numbers. This revelation is causing alarm among crypto security experts, who warn that it could undermine user privacy and weaken decentralization principles valued in the crypto community.
Despite the backlash, Toncoin's price has remained stable. Telegram’s disclosure of sensitive user information has sparked concerns, but no major market reaction has been observed so far.
Durov, who was recently arrested and then released for allegedly facilitating criminal activities on the platform, stated that Telegram has complied with proper legal requests for years. He emphasized that the platform’s core values of freedom and privacy remain intact despite these revelations.
The crypto community, however, is not convinced. Deddy Lavid, CEO of Web3 security firm Cyvers, criticized Telegram’s policy, noting that linking IP addresses to blockchain activity could expose user identities. This is a serious concern for Web3 enthusiasts, as many use Telegram to share wallet addresses and other sensitive information. Such a policy could compromise the anonymity that is central to crypto transactions.
Lavid further suggested that this policy could push Web3 projects to adopt decentralized communication tools that prioritize data privacy. With Telegram’s increased cooperation with authorities, these platforms might shift away from centralized services to safeguard user data. In response to growing criticism, Durov insisted that Telegram has not changed its stance, and recent reports are simply highlighting increased scrutiny. Yet, his tone has shifted, signaling that the company may have to navigate more transparency issues moving forward.
While Toncoin has only seen a minor drop since Durov’s statement, uncertainty remains. The Web3 community’s reaction to these revelations could influence Toncoin’s price in the future. Market observers are watching closely to see if these privacy concerns will lead to a more significant downturn.
As of now, Toncoin’s stability suggests investors are waiting for further developments before making major moves. However, the sentiment among privacy advocates is growing uneasy, and this policy disclosure could lead to changes in how Telegram is perceived within the crypto space.
The Web3 sector values transparency and anonymity, and if Telegram continues down this path, it risks losing support from a key segment of its user base. Future actions by Telegram will be closely monitored, and any further policy shifts could significantly impact its standing in the crypto and Web3 communities.
