Client-Client Encryption (End-to-End Encryption - E2EE): This additional layer of encryption is only used in "Secret Chats." In Secret Chats, messages are encrypted with a key that only you and the recipient know. This means that not even Telegram's servers can access the content of these messages. Secret Chats are not stored on Telegram's servers, are device-specific, do not support forwarding, and can have a self-destruct timer.
Privacy Considerations:
Cloud Chats are : Regular private and group chats, as well as channels, are stored on Telegram's cloud servers to allow for multi-device access and syncing. This means Telegram has access to the metadata (who you communicate with, when, how often) and the content of these chats. While they state this data is heavily encrypted, it's not protected by end-to-end encryption by default.
Secret Chats Offer Stronger Privacy: Because Secret Chats use end-to-end encryption and are not stored on Telegram's servers, they offer a higher level of privacy.
Metadata Collection: Telegram collects israel telegram phone number list user data, such as your phone number and contacts, to help you connect with others and display names in notifications. They state they don't use this data to show ads.
Transparency Reports: Telegram publishes transparency reports that detail the number of government requests for user data they have received and complied with. They claim to have disclosed "0 bytes of user messages to third parties, including governments" to date for regular chats. However, this doesn't apply to metadata or non-content data.
Data Storage Location: Telegram's data centers are spread across a complex corporate structure in various jurisdictions, which they say is done to protect data not covered by end-to-end encryption from government subpoenas.
Account Self-Destruction: You can set your account to automatically delete if it's inactive for a certain period (default is 6 months).
Control Over Profile Information: You can control who can see your phone number, profile photo, and last seen status in the privacy settings.
Are Your Messages Safe?
Messages in Secret Chats are generally considered very safe due to end-to-end encryption. Only you and the recipient hold the keys to decrypt them.
The safety of messages in regular Cloud Chats is more nuanced. While they are encrypted in transit and stored encrypted on Telegram's servers, Telegram technically has the ability to access the content. Their security measures aim to prevent unauthorized third-party access. However, trust in the platform's security practices is essential.
Group chats and channels do not support end-to-end encryption, meaning the messages within them are only protected by server-client encryption.
To enhance your message safety on Telegram: