Telegram Accounts
Is it safe to use Telegram?
Yes, Telegram is generally considered safe to use, but like any app, its security depends on how you use it and your specific concerns. Here’s a breakdown of Telegram’s safety aspects:
Encryption:
Telegram offers end-to-end encryption only in its “Secret Chats”. This ensures that only you and the recipient can read the messages.
Regular Chats: For regular chats, Telegram uses server-client encryption, which means messages are encrypted between your device and Telegram’s servers but are stored on their servers.
Privacy:
Telegram allows users to control who can see their phone number, profile picture, last seen status, etc. You can adjust privacy settings to restrict access.
In “Secret Chats,” you can set a self-destruct timer for messages.
However, for regular chats, since the messages are stored on Telegram’s servers, Telegram technically has access to them, unlike apps like Signal where all chats are end-to-end encrypted by default.
Data Storage:
Telegram stores your messages on its cloud servers to allow you to access them from multiple devices. This means that while the messages are encrypted in transit, they are stored on Telegram’s servers in a way that Telegram could technically access.
Security Features:
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): You can enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
Telegram also offers a built-in app lock feature to prevent unauthorized access.
For casual, everyday messaging, Telegram is generally safe if you use its privacy features properly. However, if you’re concerned about absolute privacy, especially from government surveillance or data collection, you may prefer an app like Signal that offers end-to-end encryption by default for all chats.