Telegram CEO says it’s ‘impossible’ to provide the data Brazil wants

Last Thursday (27), Telegram CEO issued a statement about the lack of cooperation with the Federal Police (PF), saying: the requested data is “technologically impossible to obtain”. Pavel Durov explains that the mission of the messaging app is to protect privacy and freedom of expression around the world.

The messaging service was suspended in Brazil shortly after the company failed to comply with the Espírito Santo Court of Justice (TJES) ruling, after it was reported that it had to provide data on neo-Nazi groups and individuals suspected of plotting attacks on them. Brazilian schools.

In his statement, Pavel explains that the company is appealing the TJES decision and is awaiting a final decision. “We will defend our users and their private communication rights in Brazil at all costs,” said the Telegram CEO.

Telegram’s Status in Brazil

Last Wednesday (26), Justice informed operators Claro, Tim, Vivo and Oi to disable Telegram use in Brazil, precisely because the company did not comply with the decision. In addition, a daily fine of R$1 million was imposed until the company provided all the data requested by PF – the deadline began last Friday (21).

Pavel Durov’s full statement

“Telegram’s mission is to protect privacy and freedom of expression worldwide.

Sometimes we are forced to leave these markets when local laws contradict this mission or impose technologically impossible requirements. In the past, countries like China, Iran, and Russia have banned Telegram because of our principled stance on human rights. Such incidents, while unfortunate, are still preferable to betraying our users and the beliefs on which we are founded.

A court in Brazil requested data that was technologically impossible to obtain. We are appealing the decision and await the final decision. Whatever the cost, we will defend our users and their private communication rights in Brazil. Telegram’s mission is to protect privacy and freedom of expression worldwide.”