How Safe Is Your Telegram Data?

[fatimahislam]

With over 700 million users globally, Telegram has emerged as a popular messaging app thanks to its speed, cloud-based capabilities, and unique features like channels and bots. However, as its popularity grows, so do questions about how safe your data truly is on the platform. If you're wondering whether Telegram is as secure as it claims, it's crucial to examine the layers of its encryption, privacy policies, and potential vulnerabilities.

Encryption and Security Architecture
Telegram uses a custom encryption protocol called MTProto. Unlike telegram data other messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal, which use end-to-end encryption (E2EE) by default for all chats, Telegram only offers E2EE in its “Secret Chats.” Standard cloud chats are encrypted client-to-server/server-to-client, meaning Telegram itself has access to your messages stored in the cloud.

This encryption model allows for convenience—such as syncing messages across devices and storing media on the cloud—but it comes with a tradeoff: Telegram can access your cloud chat content if compelled by authorities or if its servers are compromised.

Secret Chats: Truly Private?
Telegram's Secret Chats offer E2EE, meaning only you and the recipient can read the messages—not even Telegram can decrypt them. These chats don’t get stored in the cloud and are tied to a specific device. You can set self-destruct timers and prevent message forwarding in Secret Chats. However, these chats must be initiated manually, and they’re unavailable for groups, which limits their use.

Metadata and Phone Numbers
Telegram requires a phone number to register, which is a critical piece of personally identifiable information (PII). While Telegram does allow you to hide your number from strangers, the phone number requirement still raises concerns about anonymity, especially for activists, journalists, and individuals in repressive regimes.

Furthermore, while Telegram may not store message content from Secret Chats, it does collect metadata, including your IP address, device information, and communication times. Over time, metadata can be as revealing as content itself, especially when analyzed in bulk.

Data Breaches and Third-Party Access
Telegram’s source code is partially open-source, which increases transparency. However, Telegram has faced criticism for not allowing independent audits of its full encryption protocol. Although no major hacks of Telegram’s servers have been publicly confirmed, there have been leaks involving third-party bots and unofficial Telegram clients that compromised user data.

In countries like Iran and Russia, government-backed actors have exploited third-party apps to spy on users. Additionally, Telegram’s public groups and channels are searchable and can expose users to phishing, scams, and malware.

Conclusion: Should You Trust Telegram?
Telegram offers a mix of security and usability, but it’s not the most private option available. For casual users, Telegram’s cloud-based model provides convenience and acceptable security. However, for those who need absolute privacy—such as whistleblowers or activists—Telegram’s lack of default end-to-end encryption for all chats, its phone number requirement, and metadata collection may be dealbreakers.

Ultimately, your data’s safety on Telegram depends on how you use the app. For maximum privacy, use Secret Chats, avoid third-party bots, and consider pairing Telegram with privacy tools like VPNs or anonymous phone numbers.