Indian Court Forces Telegram to Reveal User Data in Copyright Dispute
A Delhi High Court order compels Telegram to hand over administrators' phone numbers and IP addresses for channels accused of piracy. The ruling reveals the significant user data the messaging platform actually stores and can disclose to authorities.
A Delhi High Court order compels Telegram to share the names, phone numbers, and IP addresses of channel administrators accused of copyright infringement. The legal action stems from a lawsuit filed by a teacher who discovers multiple Telegram channels re-selling her course materials without permission. This instance highlights the surprising amount of user data the messaging app retains and is willing to hand over to authorities.
Telegram attempts to block the disclosure by arguing that sharing such information violates its privacy policy and the laws of Singapore, where it houses its physical servers. However, the Indian court rejects this defense, stating that copyright owners cannot be left without remedies simply because Telegram chooses to locate its data centers outside of India. The judge ultimately orders the platform to comply and release the requested information.
Despite the court confirming that Telegram shares the data, a company spokesperson denies providing private user information, claiming the platform stores very limited data on its users. India represents one of Telegram's largest markets with nearly 150 million users, and the app remains a popular hub for sharing pirated movies and TV shows. The court strictly directs the plaintiff to keep the disclosed data confidential, allowing its sharing only with police or government authorities for the purposes of the case.