At the same time, the ban does not apply to private use of the messenger, but there are many factors that may make you think twice before using Telegram. Techno 24 explains why it is better to choose another reporter.

Telegram has long been a hugely popular messaging app thanks to its cross-device syncing, file sharing features, and chat storage. Paradoxically, however, its convenience makes it a potentially unsafe app for communication, and far from the best choice for those who care about their security.

No end-to-end encryption by default

Many users believe that Telegram chats are automatically protected with end-to-end encryption, similar to WhatsApp and Signal. But that is not the caseTelegram only encrypts messages transferred between your device and the servers and leaves them on these servers where they can be accessed from different devices.

While Telegram does offer end-to-end encryption in “secret chats,” you have to manually enable it (which most users don’t do.) If you forget to start a secret chat or the other person doesn’t, your conversations won’t have the highest level of privacy protection.

Collection of communication data

By default Telegram collects contact information from your phone. The app uses this data to notify you when someone joins the platform and displays your registered name instead of your Telegram username. Although Telegram only stores basic data like your name and phone number, this app may be a concern for privacy-conscious users.

Moreover, Telegram’s privacy policy reveals that the app uses anonymous phone numbers to estimate how many of you are on Telegram and shows this data when you turn on the “Invite Friends” feature.

Limited user support

Telegram does not offer comprehensive customer supportIf you have an issue, the main options for getting help are contacting Telegram via X (formerly Twitter), filling out a support form, or using the in-app Ask a Question feature, which is voluntary.

While you will receive a response, this does not guarantee fast, reliable support. For more serious issues, it may be difficult to find help from a member of the company’s staff.

Implementation of advertising and subscriptions

As Telegram continues to grow, the need to monetize becomes inevitable. Telegram began showing ads in public channels with over 1,000 subscribers in late 2021/early 2022, but they do not appear in private or group chats. While the ads are not intrusive, their presence can still be annoying, especially for users who are used to working without ads.

In June 2022, Telegram also launched a premium subscription that offers users additional features like larger file uploads, custom stickers, and more chat folders. However, purchasing Telegram Premium is almost pointless for most users, especially when compared to other messaging apps that do not have ads or subscriptions.

Durov’s arrest in France

Durov’s arrest came after French authorities filed charges that the messaging platform was used to distribute content involving child sexual abuse and drug trafficking, and that the company refused to cooperate with investigations.

After this incident, Telegram started to cooperate with the authorities of France and other countries and announced that it will also manage private groups and chats from now on.

The future fate of Telegram in Ukraine

At the moment, it is not known for sure whether Ukraine will continue to take stricter measures to restrict Telegram. Previously, some departments and officials have stated that Telegram, despite the obvious danger, brings many benefits to those who actively use it as a constant source of information. In this regard, there is a risk of propaganda being affected, but with proper information hygiene, the messenger can be used as a convenient tool.

But many users have decided for themselves whether to use Telegram or not, and some will only face a choice.