Telegram, a platform known for its commitment to protecting privacy, has handed over user data to Dutch law enforcement for the first time as part of an investigation into the trafficking of weapons, drugs and illegal content involving minors.
This is the first time that Telegram has cooperated with law enforcement agencies and provided data for 20 criminal cases in the Netherlands. Until now, the platform rarely responded to requests to remove illegal content. The Dutch Prosecutor’s Office expressed satisfaction with the cooperation with Telegram, but noted that it is necessary to find out whether this is really a breakthrough in cooperation or isolated cases.
The Netherlands has built a reputation as one of the leaders in the investigation of cybercrime, having successfully shut down black markets such as Hansa and AlphaBay, as well as encrypted communication networks EncroChat and Sky ECC. Telegram is a platform that has avoided cooperating with law enforcement because of its emphasis on user privacy, which has ultimately led to conflicts with authorities. Telegram’s cooperation with Dutch law enforcement agencies may signal a change in the platform’s policy on handling requests from authorities. However, it is not yet known whether this will become a permanent practice or just an exceptional case of pressure.
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