Telegram and Communication Apps Used for Information Crimes: Lawyers Warn Against Crossing Legal Lines

Recently, two cases involving the use of communication apps for criminal activities have drawn public attention. On July 5, 2024, a suspect identified as Tian was detained and arrested on charges of illegally obtaining citizens' personal information and introducing prostitution. Investigation revealed that starting from February 2023, Tian used the Telegram app to illegally download over 130,000 pieces of citizens' household registration information and 170 pieces of real estate information. He then sold "WeChat Nearby User Adding" software on QQ and Bat APP to profit illegally, while also using DingTalk to send prostitution-related information to friends. During the trial, Tian pleaded guilty and accepted punishment, having already surrendered illegal gains and paid fines. In another case, in March 2024, Jia and Yan from Huixian City, Henan Province, learned through Telegram how to register Apple IDs. They used code-receiving platforms to register accounts, cultivated them, and then sold them to upper-level criminals. These accounts were subsequently used to make FaceTime scam calls, defrauding multiple victims of over 550,000 yuan. Jia profited 80 yuan and Yan profited 800 yuan, both having surrendered their illegal gains. In these cases, communication apps like Telegram, QQ, Bat APP, and DingTalk were exploited as tools for illegally obtaining personal information and spreading criminal content. Lawyers explain that those who knowingly provide communication tools or technical support for others' cybercrimes may face charges for helping information network crimes if circumstances are severe. Currently, the illegal personal information trade has a clear division of labor: some act as "material suppliers" providing data, others as "technicians" creating tools, and some as "traffickers" recruiting followers. The public should minimize publishing sensitive personal information on social platforms and be cautious about authorizing various apps to access contacts, locations, and other permissions. In the case of Jia and Yan, although they profited only dozens to hundreds of yuan, they were still held legally responsible because their actions helped others carry out telecom fraud causing direct losses to multiple victims exceeding 550,000 yuan. Legal experts remind that the threshold for the "helping information network crime" charge is not high. As long as one knowingly provides communication tools, accounts, verification codes, or other assistance for others' cybercrimes and meets the "serious circumstances" standard, criminal liability may be pursued. The public should: not easily trust "part-time" or "money-making" invitations from strangers; not arbitrarily download or use software or plugins from unknown sources; not provide personal accounts, verification codes, or identity information to others; and immediately report to police and preserve evidence if personal information is leaked or fraud is encountered. Those who suffer from such crimes or discover related clues can call 110 or report through the National Anti-Fraud Center APP. The Supreme People's Procuratorate's 12309 service hotline also accepts related complaints and appeals.