The Telegram team has announced updates to its privacy policy, expanding the options available to advertisers. Among the changes is the ability to display ads that leverage users’ IP addresses as a factor in targeting. This development is described by Durov’s Code, which references a resource closely aligned with Telegram’s policy updates.
The new approach contrasts with the previous practice, where ad delivery within Telegram largely depended on a user’s language setting. That method often produced results that users deemed inappropriate or off-target. With the revamped framework, advertisers can more precisely tailor ads based on a user’s interests, subscription status, language, country, and regional data. This shift aims to align ad content more closely with what users care about, while still respecting privacy choices that Telegram has highlighted in its policy discussions.
According to the policy notes, advertisers will have the option to show ads that reflect the user’s country and approximate city derived from IP address information. Importantly, no other geolocation data is used for these purposes, according to the description provided by Durova’s Code. This means a focus on broad geographic categorization rather than precise location tracking, which Telegram has framed as a balance between relevance and user privacy.
Another facet of the update is the ability for advertisers to upload an anonymous, encrypted list of identifiers based on phone numbers. By using hashed or otherwise anonymized data, advertisers can reach a defined audience without exposing actual phone numbers. This mechanism is presented as a way to expand reach while maintaining a layer of privacy for individuals in the target group and mitigating direct exposure of personal identifiers.
For users who subscribe to Telegram Premium, the landscape changes again. Premium members will not see ads within the messenger, effectively bypassing the new targeting and data collection measures for paid accounts. This distinction reinforces Telegram’s dual-path model: a free tier with advertising-supported experiences and a premium tier that prioritizes an uninterrupted, ad-free environment. The policy updates suggest clear boundaries between these experiences, aligning with the expectations of different user segments and their willingness to share or withhold data for personalized content.
There is also a note that this development mirrors shifts seen in other messaging apps, suggesting a broader industry trend toward monetizing user engagement through tailored advertising. While Telegram emphasizes user privacy controls and opt-out possibilities, the changes underline how digital platforms continually recalibrate ad strategies in response to user behavior signals and market demand. The evolving policy landscape remains a topic of discussion among privacy advocates, marketers, and policy watchers who are tracking how such updates balance economic incentives with individual rights. In the broader messaging ecosystem, observers compare Telegram’s approach with features seen in other popular apps, noting both similarities and distinctive nuances that shape user experience and advertiser strategy. (Source: Telegram policy update)