View source for Software:Telegram

{{short description|Cross-platform encrypted instant messaging service}}


{{Infobox software
| name = Telegram
| logo = Telegram 2019 Logo.svg
| logo size = 121px
| screenshot = Telegram Chats List on iOS.png
| screenshot size = 220px
| caption = Telegram running on [[Software:IOS|iOS]], screenshot taken in 2019
| collapsible = no
| developer = Telegram FZ LLC<br />Telegram Messenger Inc.
| released = {{Start date and age|2013|8|14|df=yes}}
| ver layout = stacked
| repo = 
| programming language = Desktop: [[C++]], [[C (programming language)|C]], [[Java (programming language)|Java]], [[Python (programming language)|Python]]<br>
Android: [[Java (programming language)|Java]]<br>
iOS: [[Swift (programming language)|Swift]]
| platform = [[Software:Android (operating system)|Android]], [[Software:IOS|iOS]], [[Software:IPadOS|iPadOS]], [[Software:Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Software:MacOS|macOS]], [[Software:Linux|Linux]], Web platform
| language count = 66 (officially 12)
| language footnote = <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://translations.telegram.org/ |title=Translations |access-date=18 September 2022 |archive-date=6 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506164633/https://translations.telegram.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Q: Can I translate Telegram?|url=https://telegram.org/faq#q-can-i-translate-telegram|publisher=Telegram Messenger LLP|access-date=4 February 2023}}</ref>
| language = Chinese (Beta), English, Russian, Persian, Turkish, Italian, Arabic, Ukrainian, Kazakh, Uzbek, Portuguese, Spanish, German, Dutch, French, Japanese (Beta), Korean, Indonesian, Malay, Belarusian, Catalan, Polish, Finnish, Hebrew
| genre = [[Social:Instant messaging|Instant messaging]]
| license = [[Software:GNU General Public License|GNU GPLv3 only with OpenSSL linking exception]] ([[Client (computing)|clients]]),<ref name="teleapps">{{cite web|url=https://telegram.org/apps|title=List of Telegram applications|date=6 February 2014|access-date=6 February 2014|archive-date=22 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522063000/https://telegram.org/apps|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Proprietary software|proprietary]] ([[Server (computing)|server]])<ref name=faq-why-not-open-souce/>
| website = {{URL|https://telegram.org/}}
}}
{{Infobox website
| name = Telegram Messenger Inc.
| logo = 
| location = Tortola, British Virgin Islands<br />(legal domicile)<ref name="Telegram Messenger Inc – RIPE NCC">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ripe.net/participate/member-support/list-of-members/indices|title=Members ordered by country code|website=RIPE Network Coordination Centre}}</ref><br />Dubai, [[Place:United Arab Emirates|United Arab Emirates]]<br />(operational center)
| founder = {{Unbulleted list|Nikolai Durov|Pavel Durov}}
| CEO = Pavel Durov
| industry = [[Software]]
| url = {{URL|https://telegram.org/}}
| foundation = {{Start date and age|2013|3}}
| area_served = Worldwide
| num_employees = 
}}

'''Telegram Messenger''', commonly known as '''Telegram''', is a [[Cloud computing|cloud-based]], [[Cross-platform software|cross-platform]] [[Social:Instant messaging|instant messaging]] (IM) service. It was originally launched for iOS on 14 August 2013 and Android in October 2013. It allows users to exchange messages, share [[Engineering:Multimedia|media]] and files, hold private and group voice or [[Videotelephony|video calls]], as well as public [[Livestreaming|livestreams]]. It is available for [[Software:Android (operating system)|Android]], [[Software:IOS|iOS]], [[Software:Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Software:MacOS|macOS]], [[Software:Linux|Linux]], and [[Software:Web browser|web browsers]]. Telegram provides [[End-to-end encryption|end-to-end encryption]] in voice and video calls,<ref>{{cite web |date=14 August 2020 |title=Telegram introduces end-to-end encrypted video calls |url=https://thenextweb.com/apps/2020/08/14/telegram-introduces-end-to-end-encrypted-video-calls/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301150437/https://thenextweb.com/apps/2020/08/14/telegram-introduces-end-to-end-encrypted-video-calls/ |archive-date=1 March 2021 |access-date=29 March 2021 |website=The Next Web}}</ref> and in optional private chats, which Telegram calls Secret Chats.

Telegram also has social networking features, allowing users to post [[Social:Story (social media)|stories]], create large public groups with up to 200,000 members, or share one-way updates to unlimited audiences in so-called channels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=Jay |date=2023-02-16 |title=Meta is copying Telegram channels in Instagram |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/16/23602833/meta-instagram-channels-telegram-facebook-messenger |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref> The service also provides an open [[API]] for the creation of custom bots which can perform various tasks, integrate other services into Telegram chats, or work as mini apps.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Jon |date=2017-05-18 |title=Telegram now lets users buy things from chatbots in its messaging app |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/18/telegram-launches-chatbot-payments/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref>

Telegram was founded in 2013 by Nikolai and Pavel Durov.<ref>{{Cite news |author=EWDN |date=2013-08-30 |title=Russia's Zuckerberg launches Telegram, a new instant messenger service |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUS74722569420130830 |url-status=live |access-date=2020-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128165349/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUS74722569420130830 |archive-date=28 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 October 2013 |title=Meet Telegram, A Secure Messaging App From The Founders Of VK, Russia's Largest Social Network |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/10/27/meet-telegram-a-secure-messaging-app-from-the-founders-of-vk-russias-largest-social-network/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126020419/http://techcrunch.com/2013/10/27/meet-telegram-a-secure-messaging-app-from-the-founders-of-vk-russias-largest-social-network/ |archive-date=26 November 2015 |access-date=2020-11-08 |work=TechCrunch}}</ref> Its servers are distributed worldwide, while the headquarters are in Dubai, [[Place:United Arab Emirates|United Arab Emirates]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 November 2020 |title='Nobody can block it': how the Telegram app fuels global protest |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/nov/07/nobody-can-block-it-how-telegram-app-fuels-global-protest |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107165623/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/nov/07/nobody-can-block-it-how-telegram-app-fuels-global-protest |archive-date=7 November 2020 |access-date=2020-11-07 |website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Evolution of Telegram |url=https://telegram.org/evolution#october-2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126120356/https://telegram.org/evolution#october-2013 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |access-date=4 January 2021 |website=Telegram}}</ref> Telegram is the most popular instant messaging application in parts of [[Earth:Europe|Europe]], [[Earth:Asia|Asia]], and [[Earth:Africa|Africa]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most Popular Messaging Apps: Top Messaging Apps 2021 |url=https://respond.io/blog/top-messaging-apps |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=respond.io |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cheh |first=Samantha |date=2017-08-11 |title=Cambodia: Govt officials favor Telegram to protect communications |url=https://techwireasia.com/2017/08/cambodia-government-communications-telegram/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=Tech Wire Asia |language=en-US}}</ref>

{{asof|August 2023|post=,}} Telegram has more than 800 million monthly active users,<ref name=":14">{{cite web |last1=Singh |first1=Manish |date=18 July 2023 |title=Telegram raises $210 million through bond sales |url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/07/18/telegram-raises-210-million-through-bond-sales/ |access-date=2 August 2023 |website=TechCrunch}}</ref> with {{wipe|India}} leading in the number of users.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Manish |date=2021-08-30 |title=Telegram surpasses 1 billion downloads |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/30/telegram-tops-1-billion-downloads/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref> It was the most downloaded app worldwide in January 2021<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 February 2021 |title=Durov Telegram |url=https://t.me/durov/152 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209120844/https://t.me/durov/152 |archive-date=9 February 2021 |access-date=10 February 2021 |website=Telegram |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-02-09 |title=Telegram Tops The List Of Most Downloaded Apps In The World For January 2021: Report |url=https://in.mashable.com/tech/20166/telegram-tops-the-list-of-most-downloaded-apps-in-the-world-report |website=Mashable India}}</ref> with 1 billion downloads globally as of late August 2021.

== History ==

=== Development ===

Telegram was launched in 2013 by the brothers Nikolai and Pavel Durov. Previously, the pair founded the Russian social network VK, which they left in 2014, saying it had been taken over by the government.<ref name=DurovTI22414>{{cite news |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-04-22/news/49318882_1_social-network-vkontakte-pavel-durov-founder-mark-zuckerberg |title=Pavel Durov left Russia after being pushed out |date=22 April 2014 |access-date=23 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424024304/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-04-22/news/49318882_1_social-network-vkontakte-pavel-durov-founder-mark-zuckerberg |archive-date=24 April 2014 |publisher=Agence France-Presse |via=Economic Times }}</ref> Pavel sold his remaining stake in VK and left Russia after resisting government pressure.<ref name=":0" /> Nikolai created the MTProto protocol that is the basis for the messenger, while Pavel provided financial support and infrastructure through his Digital Fortress fund.<ref name="TechCrunch">{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/10/27/meet-telegram-a-secure-messaging-app-from-the-founders-of-vk-russias-largest-social-network/|title=Meet Telegram, A Secure Messaging App From The Founders Of VK, Russia's Largest Social Network|last=Shu|first=Catherine|date=27 October 2013|website=TechCrunch|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=26 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126020419/http://techcrunch.com/2013/10/27/meet-telegram-a-secure-messaging-app-from-the-founders-of-vk-russias-largest-social-network/|url-status=live}}</ref> Telegram Messenger states that its end goal is not to bring profit,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://telegram.org/faq#q-how-are-you-going-to-make-money-out-of-this |title=Telegram F.A.Q |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209082001/https://telegram.org/faq#q-how-are-you-going-to-make-money-out-of-this |archive-date=9 February 2014 |quote=...making profits will never be an end-goal for Telegram.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/2/25/5445864/telegram-messenger-hottest-app-in-the-world |title=Why Telegram has become the hottest messaging app in the world |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313050911/http://www.theverge.com/2014/2/25/5445864/telegram-messenger-hottest-app-in-the-world |archive-date=13 March 2016 |work=The Verge |access-date=25 February 2014 |quote=Telegram operates as a non-profit organization, and doesn’t plan to charge for its services.}}</ref> but it is not structured as a non-profit organization.<ref name="WaPo1">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2015/11/23/the-secret-american-origins-of-telegram-the-encrypted-messaging-app-favored-by-the-islamic-state/|title=The secret American origins of Telegram, the encrypted messaging app favored by the Islamic State|last1=Dewey|first1=Caitlin|date=23 November 2015|access-date=31 March 2018|newspaper={{wipe|The Washington Post}}|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512135529/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2015/11/23/the-secret-american-origins-of-telegram-the-encrypted-messaging-app-favored-by-the-islamic-state/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Telegram is registered as a company in the British Virgin Islands<ref name="Telegram Messenger Inc – RIPE NCC"/> and as an [[Social:Limited company|LLC]] in Dubai.<ref>{{cite web|title = Telegram Messenger on the App Store|url = https://itunes.apple.com/app/telegram-messenger/id686449807|website = App Store|access-date = 19 November 2015|archive-date = 19 May 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190519201602/https://itunes.apple.com/app/telegram-messenger/id686449807|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>[https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.telegram_fz_llc.adcbb6d4f706fd666c04a7b5c9178b02.html Telegram FZ LLC – Dun & Bradstreet]</ref> It does not disclose where it rents offices or which legal entities it uses to rent them, citing the need to "shelter the team from unnecessary influence" and protect users from governmental data requests.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Lunch with the FT: Pavel Durov|url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/21c5c7f2-20b1-11e5-ab0f-6bb9974f25d0.html|newspaper = [[Social:Financial Times|Financial Times]]|access-date = 19 November 2015|first = John|last = Thornhill|date = 3 July 2015|archive-date = 19 September 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160919235800/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/21c5c7f2-20b1-11e5-ab0f-6bb9974f25d0.html|url-status = live}}</ref> After Pavel left Russia in 2014, he was said to be moving from country to country with a small group of computer programmers consisting of 15 core members.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|title = Once Celebrated in Russia, the Programmer Pavel Durov Chooses Exile|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/03/technology/once-celebrated-in-russia-programmer-pavel-durov-chooses-exile.html|newspaper = {{wipe|The New York Times}}|date = 2 December 2014|access-date = 19 November 2015|first = Danny|last = Hakim|archive-date = 6 September 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150906024632/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/03/technology/once-celebrated-in-russia-programmer-pavel-durov-chooses-exile.html|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-telecoms-mobileworld-telegram-idUSKCN0VW2CM|title=Telegram app free-speech advocate no stranger to Apple-FBI woes|newspaper=Reuters|date=23 February 2016|via=www.reuters.com|access-date=12 August 2019|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512140540/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-telecoms-mobileworld-telegram-idUSKCN0VW2CM|url-status=live|last1=Auchard|first1=Eric}}</ref> While a former employee of VK claimed that Telegram had employees in Saint Petersburg,<ref name="Turton-2017-09-29"/> Pavel said the Telegram team made [[Place:Berlin|Berlin]], Germany, its headquarters in 2014,<ref name="TheVergeKorea">{{cite web|url = https://www.theverge.com/2014/10/6/6926205/surveillance-drives-south-koreans-to-encrypted-messaging-apps|title = Surveillance drives South Koreans to encrypted messaging apps|date = 6 October 2014|website = [[The Verge]]|access-date = 19 November 2015|first = Russell|last = Brandom|archive-date = 6 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151106162327/http://www.theverge.com/2014/10/6/6926205/surveillance-drives-south-koreans-to-encrypted-messaging-apps|url-status = live}}</ref> but failed to obtain German residence permits for everyone on the team and moved to other jurisdictions in early 2015.<ref name="Turton-2017-09-29">{{cite web|last1=Turton|first1=William|title=What isn't Telegram saying about its connections to the Kremlin?|url=https://theoutline.com/post/2348/what-isn-t-telegram-saying-about-its-connections-to-the-kremlin|website=The Outline|access-date=11 October 2017|date=29 September 2017|archive-date=18 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518221134/https://theoutline.com/post/2348/what-isn-t-telegram-saying-about-its-connections-to-the-kremlin|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 2017, the company has been based in Dubai.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Descalsota |first1=Marielle |title=Meet Pavel Durov, the tech billionaire who founded Telegram, fled from Moscow 15 years ago after defying the Kremlin, and has a penchant for posting half-naked selfies on Instagram |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/pavel-durov-telegram-billionaire-russia-instagram-wealth-founder-dubai-lifestyle-2022-3 |access-date=1 May 2022 |work=Business Insider |date=28 March 2022}}</ref> It has a complex corporate structure of [[Finance:Shell corporation|shell companies]] to delay complying with government subpoenas.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hakim |first=Danny |date=2014-12-02 |title=Once Celebrated in Russia, the Programmer Pavel Durov Chooses Exile |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/03/technology/once-celebrated-in-russia-programmer-pavel-durov-chooses-exile.html |access-date=2022-08-19 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

=== Usage ===

{{Graph:Chart
| width=480
| height=150
| type=line
| xType=date
| xAxisFormat=%b %Y
| xAxisAngle=-40
| yGrid=
| x=2013-08-14, 2014-03-24, 2014-12-08, 2016-02-23, 2018-03-22, 2020-04-24, 2021-01-08, 2022-06-19
| y1=0, 35, 50, 100, 200, 400, 500, 700
| xAxisTitle=Telegram timeline (August 2013 – June 2022)
| yAxisTitle=Monthly active users (million)
}}
In October 2013, Telegram announced that it had 100,000 daily active users.<ref name="TechCrunch" />

On 24 March 2014, Telegram announced that it had reached 35 million monthly users and 15 million daily active users.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/03/24/telegram-hits-35m-monthly-users-15m-daily-with-8b-messages-received-over-30-days/|publisher=TechCrunch|title=Telegram Hits 35M Monthly Users, 15M Daily With 8B Messages Received Over 30 Days|date=24 March 2014|access-date=25 June 2017|archive-date=24 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124123902/http://techcrunch.com/2014/03/24/telegram-hits-35m-monthly-users-15m-daily-with-8b-messages-received-over-30-days/|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2014, {{wipe|South Korea}}n government surveillance plans drove many of its citizens to switch to Telegram from the Korean app [[Software:KakaoTalk|KakaoTalk]].<ref name="TheVergeKorea" /> In December 2014, Telegram announced that it had 50 million active users, generating 1 billion daily messages, and that it had 1 million new users signing up on its service every week,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://telegram.org/blog/billion|publisher=Telegram|title=Telegram Reaches 1 Billion Daily Messages|date=8 December 2014|access-date=8 December 2014|archive-date=24 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724110557/https://telegram.org/blog/billion|url-status=live}}</ref> traffic doubled in five months with 2 billion daily messages.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://telegram.org/blog/2-billion|publisher=Telegram|title=Telegram Hits 2 Billion Messages Sent Daily|date=13 May 2015|access-date=31 July 2015|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512141610/https://telegram.org/blog/2-billion|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2015, Telegram announced that the app had 60 million active users and delivered 12 billion daily messages.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://techcrunch.com/2015/09/21/telegram-now-seeing-12bn-daily-messages-up-from-1m-in-february/|title = Telegram Now Seeing 12BN Daily Messages, up From 1BN in February|date = 21 September 2015|access-date = 19 November 2015|website = Techcrunch|last = Lomas|first = Natasha|archive-date = 27 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151127133011/http://techcrunch.com/2015/09/21/telegram-now-seeing-12bn-daily-messages-up-from-1m-in-february/|url-status = live}}</ref>

In February 2016, Telegram announced that it had 100 million monthly active users, with 350,000 new users signing up every day, delivering 15 billion messages daily.<ref>{{cite web|title = Encrypted Messaging App Telegram Hits 100M Monthly Active Users, 350k New Users Each Day|url = https://techcrunch.com/2016/02/23/encrypted-messaging-app-telegram-hits-100m-monthly-active-users-350k-new-users-each-day/|website = TechCrunch|access-date = 23 February 2016|first = Matt|last = Burns|date = 23 February 2016|archive-date = 9 May 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190509222256/https://techcrunch.com/2016/02/23/encrypted-messaging-app-telegram-hits-100m-monthly-active-users-350k-new-users-each-day/|url-status = live}}</ref> In December 2017, Telegram reached 180 million monthly active users.<ref name="Bloomberg-2017-12-12">{{cite news |title = This $5 Billion Encrypted App Isn't for Sale at Any Price |url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-12-12/cryptic-russian-crusader-says-his-5-billion-app-can-t-be-bought |newspaper = [[Company:Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]] |date = 12 December 2017 |access-date = 22 December 2017 |archive-date = 20 May 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190520015516/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-12-12/cryptic-russian-crusader-says-his-5-billion-app-can-t-be-bought |url-status = live }}</ref> By March 2018, that number had doubled, with Telegram reaching 200 million monthly active users.<ref name="TelegramUsersMarch2018">{{cite web|url=https://telegram.org/blog/200-million|title=200,000,000 Monthly Active Users|date=22 March 2018|website=Telegram|access-date=22 March 2018|archive-date=23 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923104039/https://telegram.org/blog/200-million|url-status=live}}</ref> 

On 14 March 2019, Pavel claimed that "3 million new users signed up for Telegram within the last 24 hours."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lomas |first1=Natasha |title=Telegram gets 3M new signups during Facebook apps' outage |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/14/telegram-gets-3m-new-signups-during-facebook-apps-outage/ |website=TechCrunch |date=14 March 2019 |access-date=14 March 2019 |archive-date=2 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502055020/https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/14/telegram-gets-3m-new-signups-during-facebook-apps-outage/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He did not specify what prompted this flood of new sign-ups, but the period matched a prolonged technical outage experienced by Facebook and its family of apps, including Instagram.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shieber |first1=Jonathan |title=Update: Facebook, Instagram and Messenger were down for many users |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/13/facebook-instagram-and-messenger-are-down-for-some-users/ |website=TechCrunch |date=13 March 2019 |access-date=14 March 2019 |archive-date=2 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502055019/https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/13/facebook-instagram-and-messenger-are-down-for-some-users/ |url-status=live }}</ref> According to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, as of October 2019, Telegram had 300 million monthly active users worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/litigation/complaints/2019/comp-pr2019-212.pdf |title=SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ::Plaintiff, :19 Civ. 9439(PKC):-against -:ECF Case:TELEGRAM GROUPINC.andTON ISSUERINC. |date=11 October 2019 |website=The US Securities and Exchange Commission |access-date=17 October 2019 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112015601/https://www.sec.gov/litigation/complaints/2019/comp-pr2019-212.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 24 April 2020, Telegram announced that it had reached 400 million monthly active users.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Telegram hits 500M monthly active users |url=https://t.me/durov/147/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611161236/https://t.me/durov/147 |archive-date=11 June 2021 |access-date=2021-01-12 |website=Telegram |language=en-US}}</ref> 

On 8 January 2021, Pavel announced in a blog post that Telegram had reached "about 500 million" monthly active users.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/respect-your-users-telegram-founder-slams-facebook/article33535421.ece |title="Respect your users": Telegram founder Pavel Durov slams Facebook |date=9 January 2021 |website=The Hindu Business Line |access-date=10 January 2021 |archive-date=9 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109093123/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/respect-your-users-telegram-founder-slams-facebook/article33535421.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> In August, TechCrunch reported that India was Telegram's largest market, with a 22% share of total installs coming from the region.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/30/telegram-tops-1-billion-downloads/ |title=Telegram tops 1 billion downloads |date=30 August 2021 |website=TechCrunch |access-date=1 May 2022}}</ref> Telegram then gained over 70 million new users as a result of an outage which affected Facebook and its affiliates on 5 October, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Porter|first=Jon|date=2021-10-06|title=Telegram gains 70M new users in just one day after Facebook outage|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/6/22712191/telegram-70-million-new-users-facebook-outage-surge-whatsapp|access-date=2021-10-06|website=The Verge|language=en-US|archive-date=6 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006143403/https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/6/22712191/telegram-70-million-new-users-facebook-outage-surge-whatsapp|url-status=live}}</ref>

As of March 2022, Telegram's usage share had jumped to 63%, overtaking [[Software:WhatsApp|WhatsApp]]'s usage share of 32% to become the most popular messaging app in {{wipe|Russia}}.<ref>{{Cite web |agency=Reuters |date=2022-03-21 |title=Telegram surpasses WhatsApp to become Russia's top messenger |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40162140 |access-date=2022-03-21 |website=Business Recorder |language=en}}</ref> On 19 June 2022, Telegram announced that it had reached 700 million monthly active users.<ref name="700M_premium">{{cite web |last1=Roth |first1=Emma |date=20 June 2022 |title=Telegram's Premium subscription is here and it costs $4.99 / month |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/19/23174976/telegram-premium-subscription-4-99-month-bigger-uploads-faster-downloads |access-date=20 June 2022 |website=The Verge}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2022-06-21 |title=700 Million Users and Telegram Premium |url=https://telegram.org/blog/700-million-and-premium |access-date=2022-07-08 |website=Telegram}}</ref>

As of July 2023, Telegram has more than 800 million monthly active users.<ref name=":14" />

== Features ==

=== Accounts ===

[[File:Telegram account self-destruction.png|thumb|Account self-destruction]]
[[File:Telegram account is limited.png|thumb|The user was [[Social:Block (Internet)|limited]].]]
Telegram accounts are usually tied to [[Engineering:Telephone|telephone]] numbers which are verified by SMS or phone call.<ref name="Lopez">{{cite web|url=http://www.applesfera.com/aplicaciones-ios-1/configurando-telegram-en-el-iphone-en-la-web-y-en-el-mac|title=Configurando Telegram en el iPhone, en la web y en el Mac|first=Miguel|last=Lopez|date=30 January 2014|trans-title=Configuring Telegram in the Apple iPhone, the Web and the Mac|language=es|publisher=Applesfera|access-date=4 December 2014|archive-date=7 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807133141/https://www.applesfera.com/aplicaciones-ios-1/configurando-telegram-en-el-iphone-en-la-web-y-en-el-mac|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2022, an update introduced the ability to sign up without a phone number and instead by using a +888 number purchased on the Fragment platform, which is linked to the user's [[Software:Telegram Open Network|TON wallet]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mehta |first=Ivan |date=2022-12-07 |title=Telegram is auctioning phone numbers to let users sign up to the service without any SIM |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/12/07/telegram-is-auctioning-phone-numbers-to-let-users-sign-up-to-the-service-without-any-sim/ |access-date=2022-12-09 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref> Account creation requires an iOS or Android device regardless of the platform intended to be used.<ref name="BusinessInsider-2021">{{cite web |last=Witman |first=Emma |date=22 January 2021 |title=How to make a Telegram account and start using the popular group chatting app |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-make-a-telegram-account |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209074302/https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-make-a-telegram-account |archive-date=9 February 2021 |access-date=28 May 2021 |website=Business Insider}}</ref><ref name="desktop-login">{{cite web |title=no login by sms code in desktop version |url=https://github.com/telegramdesktop/tdesktop/issues/16153 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028101131/https://github.com/telegramdesktop/tdesktop/issues/16153 |archive-date=28 October 2021 |access-date=10 July 2021 |website=[[GitHub]]}}</ref> Users can add multiple devices to their account and receive messages on all of them. Connected devices can be removed individually or all at once. The associated number can be changed at any time and when doing so, the user's contacts will receive the new number automatically.<ref name="Lopez" /><ref name="way-transf">{{cite web|url = http://www.wayerless.com/2014/12/telegram-se-actualiza-permitiendo-ahora-migrar-tus-conversaciones-y-contactos-a-una-linea-nueva/|first = Jonathan|last = Munizaga|date = 1 December 2014|trans-title = Telegram already allows migrating conversations and contacts to a new line|title = Telegram ya permite migrar conversaciones y contactos a una línea nueva|publisher = Wayerless|access-date = 2 December 2014|language = es|url-status=dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141219220850/http://www.wayerless.com/2014/12/telegram-se-actualiza-permitiendo-ahora-migrar-tus-conversaciones-y-contactos-a-una-linea-nueva/|archive-date = 19 December 2014|df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="te-transf">{{cite web|language = es|url = http://www.tuexpertoapps.com/2014/12/02/telegram-ahora-permite-traspasar-mensajes-al-cambiar-de-numero/|first = David G|last = Mateo|date = 1 December 2014|title = Telegram ahora permite traspasar mensajes al cambiar de número|publisher = TuExperto|access-date = 2 December 2014|archive-date = 12 May 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190512143429/https://www.tuexpertoapps.com/2014/12/02/telegram-ahora-permite-traspasar-mensajes-al-cambiar-de-numero/|url-status = live}}</ref> In addition, a user can set up a username as an [[Pseudonym|alias]] that allows them to send and receive messages without exposing their phone number.<ref name="cs2.0">{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/10/23/secure-messaging-app-telegram-adds-usernames-and-snapchat-like-hold-to-view-for-media/|title=Secure Messaging App Telegram Adds Usernames And Snapchat-Like Hold-To-View For Media|publisher=Techcrunch|date=23 October 2014|access-date=23 October 2014|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512143411/https://techcrunch.com/2014/10/23/secure-messaging-app-telegram-adds-usernames-and-snapchat-like-hold-to-view-for-media/|url-status=live}}</ref> Telegram accounts can be deleted at any time and they are deleted automatically after six months of inactivity by default, which can optionally be changed from 1 month at the shortest up to 12 months at most with a range between. Users can replace exact "last seen" timestamps with broader messages such as "last seen recently".<ref>{{cite web|title=Hiding Last Seen Time – Done Right|date=19 November 2014|url=https://telegram.org/blog/privacy-revolution|access-date=18 May 2017|archive-date=9 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509215752/https://telegram.org/blog/privacy-revolution|url-status=live}}</ref>

Telegram allows groups, bots and channels with a verified social media or Wikipedia page to be verified but not user accounts.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Page Verification Guidelines|url=https://telegram.org/verify|website=Telegram|access-date=12 January 2021|archive-date=14 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114070820/https://telegram.org/verify|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=3 April 2020|title=Coronavirus News and Verified Channels|url=https://telegram.org/blog/coronavirus|website=Telegram|access-date=12 January 2021|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122205226/https://telegram.org/blog/coronavirus|url-status=live}}</ref> In the past, exceptions have been made to have accounts verified, but this practice is no longer carried out.

Accounts of users who purchased Telegram's Premium subscription are marked with a star emoji, which the users can change to any emoji of their choice.<ref name="PremiumStar">{{cite web |last1=Romero |first1=Andrew |date=16 September 2022 |title=Telegram refreshes animations on Android in its latest update, adds themed icon |url=https://9to5google.com/2022/09/16/telegram-infinite-reactions-themed-icon/ |access-date=19 September 2022 |website=9to5Google}}</ref>

=== Cloud-based messages ===

Telegram's default messages are cloud-based and can be accessed on any of the user's connected devices. Users can share photos, videos, audio messages and other files (up to 2 [[Gigabyte|gigabyte]]s per file). Users can send messages to other users individually or in groups of up to 200,000 members.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/08/10/telegram-slow-mode-silent-notifications/ |title=Telegram introduces a feature to prevent users from texting too often in a group |date=10 August 2019 |access-date=25 May 2021 |work=TechCrunch |last=Singh |first=Manish |archive-date=25 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525092953/https://techcrunch.com/2019/08/10/telegram-slow-mode-silent-notifications/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Sent messages can be edited up to 48 hours after they have been sent and can be deleted at any time on both sides. Messages in all chats, including groups and channels, can be set to auto-delete after 24 hours, 7 days or a month, although this will only apply to messages sent after the auto-delete timer is enabled.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-27|title=How Telegram's new update is making messages private|url=https://www.livemint.com/technology/tech-news/how-telegram-s-new-update-is-making-messages-private-11614388851319.html|access-date=2021-03-01|website=mint|language=en|archive-date=28 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228184333/https://www.livemint.com/technology/tech-news/how-telegram-s-new-update-is-making-messages-private-11614388851319.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Telegram Unsend Messages">{{cite web|url=https://telegram.org/blog/unsend-and-usage|publisher=Telegram|title=Unsend Messages, Network Usage, and More|date=3 January 2017|access-date=4 April 2017|archive-date=10 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210213549/https://telegram.org/blog/unsend-and-usage|url-status=live}}</ref> People can react to messages, choosing from a range of emoji. A user can only send one reaction and tapping on any other reaction will switch to it. In groups, a list of people who reacted is available. Reactions are always on in personal chats but have to be enabled by the admin in groups and channels, fully or partially, with a smaller number of reactions chosen.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Schoon |first1=Ben |title=Telegram adds message reactions, bigger emoji animations, and more in latest update |url=https://9to5google.com/2021/12/30/telegram-adds-message-reactions-bigger-emoji-animations-and-more-in-latest-update/ |website=9to5Google |date=30 December 2021 |access-date=16 May 2022}}</ref>

Telegram offers drafts which sync across user devices, such as when a user starts typing a message on one device and can later continue on another. The draft will persist in the editing area on any device until it is sent or removed.<ref name="Drafts">{{Cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/06/14/telegram-rolls-out-message-drafts-picture-in-picture-for-ios-video-player-for-android/ |publisher=VentureBeat |title=Telegram rolls out message drafts, picture in picture for iOS, video player for Android |date=14 June 2016 |access-date=25 May 2021 |archive-date=25 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525092951/https://venturebeat.com/2016/06/14/telegram-rolls-out-message-drafts-picture-in-picture-for-ios-video-player-for-android/ |url-status=live }}</ref> All chats, including groups and channels, can be sorted into custom folders set by the user. Users have the option to schedule messages in personal chats to be sent when the other side comes online.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.xda-developers.com/telegram-5-13-update-brings-theme-editor-2-0-more/|title=Telegram 5.13 update brings Theme Editor 2.0, "Send when online", verifiable builds, and more|date=1 January 2020|access-date=7 August 2020|archive-date=9 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209123902/https://www.xda-developers.com/telegram-5-13-update-brings-theme-editor-2-0-more/|url-status=live}}</ref> Users can also import chat history, including both messages and media, from WhatsApp, Line and Kakaotalk due to [[Data portability|data portability]], either making a new chat to hold the messages or adding them to an existing one.<ref>{{Cite web|title=آخرین میخ تلگرام بر تابوت واتساپ|url=https://www.eghtesadonline.com/بخش-فناوری-64/502325-آخرین-میخ-تلگرام-بر-تابوت-واتس-اپ|access-date=2021-02-01|website=اقتصاد آنلاین|date=31 January 2021 |language=fa|archive-date=5 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205175049/https://www.eghtesadonline.com/%D8%A8%D8%AE%D8%B4-%D9%81%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%B1%DB%8C-64/502325-%D8%A2%D8%AE%D8%B1%DB%8C%D9%86-%D9%85%DB%8C%D8%AE-%D8%AA%D9%84%DA%AF%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%A8%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%AA-%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AA%D8%B3-%D8%A7%D9%BE|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Telegram's latest update lets you import chat history from other apps|url=https://www.gsmarena.com/telegrams_latest_update_lets_you_import_chat_history_from_other_apps-news-47472.php|access-date=2021-02-01|website=GSMArena.com|language=en-US|archive-date=31 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131214359/https://www.gsmarena.com/telegrams_latest_update_lets_you_import_chat_history_from_other_apps-news-47472.php|url-status=live}}</ref>

The transmission of cloud messages to Telegram's servers is encrypted with the service's MTProto protocol, while 'Secret Chats' use end-to-end encryption based on the same protocol.<ref name="how-secure" /> According to Telegram's privacy policy, "all data is stored heavily encrypted and the encryption keys in each case are stored in several other [[Data center|data center]]s in different jurisdictions. This way local engineers or physical intruders cannot get access to users' data".<ref>{{cite web|title = Telegram Privacy Policy|url = https://telegram.org/privacy|website = Telegram|access-date = 17 January 2016|archive-date = 8 September 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150908095619/https://telegram.org/privacy|url-status = live}}</ref> Telegram's local message database is not encrypted by default.<ref name="Rottermanner-2015-p6"/> Some Telegram clients allow users to encrypt the local message database by setting a passphrase.<ref name="zimperium">{{cite news|last1=Franceschi-Bicchierai|first1=Lorenzo|title=Encryption Fails: When to Freak Out and When to Chill|url=http://motherboard.vice.com/read/encryption-fails-when-to-freak-out-and-when-to-chill|work=Motherboard|publisher=Vice Media|date=24 February 2015|access-date=9 January 2016|archive-date=11 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311031842/http://motherboard.vice.com/read/encryption-fails-when-to-freak-out-and-when-to-chill|url-status=live}}</ref>

Telegram users can share their live location in a chat for either 15 minutes, one hour, or eight hours. If multiple users share their live location within a group, they are shown on an interactive map. Sharing the 'live location' can be stopped at any time.<ref>{{cite web|date=10 October 2017|title=Telegram v4.4 adds live locations, a new media player, and more|url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2017/10/10/telegram-v4-4-adds-live-locations-new-media-player/|access-date=3 June 2021|website=Android Police|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603124746/https://www.androidpolice.com/2017/10/10/telegram-v4-4-adds-live-locations-new-media-player/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Secret chats ===
[[File:A "secret chat" confirmation notice in Telegram.jpg|thumb|394x394px|A "secret chat" confirmation notice – screenshot from [[Software:IOS 16|iOS 16]]]]
Messages can also be sent with client-to-client encryption in so-called secret chats. These messages are encrypted with the service's MTProto protocol.<ref name="techfaq" /> Unlike Telegram's cloud-based messages, messages sent within a secret chat can be accessed only on the device upon which the secret chat was initiated and the device upon which the secret chat was accepted.<ref name="TechCrunch" /><ref name="how-secure">{{cite web|url=https://telegram.org/faq#q-how-secure-is-telegram|publisher=Telegram|work=FAQ|title=How secure is Telegram?|access-date=10 February 2014|archive-date=9 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209082001/https://telegram.org/faq#q-how-secure-is-telegram|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=Telegram|url=https://core.telegram.org/mtproto|title=Description of MTProto Mobile Protocol|access-date=7 March 2014|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006104149/https://core.telegram.org/mtproto|url-status=live}}</ref> Messages sent within secret chats can, in principle, be deleted at any time and can optionally self-destruct.<ref>{{harvnb|Rottermanner|Kieseberg|Huber|Schmiedecker|2015|p=2}}</ref>

Secret chats have to be initiated and accepted via an invitation, upon which the encryption keys for the session are exchanged. Users in a secret chat can verify that no [[Man-in-the-middle attack|man-in-the-middle attack]] has occurred by comparing pictures that visualize their [[Public key fingerprint|public key fingerprint]]s.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hamburger|first1=Ellis|title=Why Telegram has become the hottest messaging app in the world|url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/2/25/5445864/telegram-messenger-hottest-app-in-the-world|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=17 March 2016|date=25 February 2014|archive-date=13 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313050911/http://www.theverge.com/2014/2/25/5445864/telegram-messenger-hottest-app-in-the-world|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to Telegram, secret chats have supported perfect forward secrecy since December 2014. Encryption keys are periodically changed after a key has been used more than 100 times or has been in use for more than a week.<ref name="Rottermanner-2015-p6">{{harvnb|Rottermanner|Kieseberg|Huber|Schmiedecker|2015|p=6}}</ref> Old encryption keys are destroyed.<ref name="way-transf" /><ref name="te-transf" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://core.telegram.org/api/end-to-end/pfs|publisher=Telegram|title=Perfect Forward Secrecy|date=14 December 2014|access-date=14 December 2014|archive-date=7 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107005120/https://core.telegram.org/api/end-to-end/pfs|url-status=live}}</ref>

Secret Chats are available only on the Android, iOS and macOS clients of the app.<ref>{{cite web|title = Github issue 871: missing secret chats|website = [[GitHub]]|url = https://github.com/telegramdesktop/tdesktop/issues/871|date = 2 July 2015|access-date = 25 July 2017|archive-date = 2 May 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190502055013/https://github.com/telegramdesktop/tdesktop/issues/871|url-status = live}}</ref>

=== Groups and Channels ===

Telegram users can create and join groups and channels. Groups are large multi-user chats that support up to 200,000 members and can be public or private. Users can freely join public chats and find them using the in-app search function, while private chats require an invitation. They support flexible admin rights and can use bots for moderation to prevent spam and unwanted activity. Groups can be split into topics, effectively creating subgroups dedicated to various subjects with separate settings for each.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Nickolas Diaz |date=2022-11-07 |title=Telegram drops an update, adds topics in groups, Voice-to-Text, and new emoji packs |url=https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/telegram-update-voice-to-text-video-group-topics-collectible-usernames |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=Android Central |language=en}}</ref>

Admins can choose to hide the list of members in a group, as well as post anonymously themselves.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Potts |first=Caleb |date=2020-09-30 |title=Telegram adds search filters, anonymous admins, channel replies, and more |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/09/30/telegram-adds-search-filters-anonymous-admins-channel-replies-and-more/ |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=Android Police |language=en}}</ref> Similarly, groups and channels can have content protection enabled, which prevents screenshots, forwarding and downloading of media.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-12-08 |title=Telegram monthly update brings Content Protection and Delete by Date feature |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/social/telegram-monthly-update-brings-content-protection-and-delete-by-date-feature-7662617/ |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gatlan |first=Sergiu |date=8 December 2021 |title=Telegram adds content protection support for groups and channels |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/software/telegram-adds-content-protection-support-for-groups-and-channels/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223225101/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/software/telegram-adds-content-protection-support-for-groups-and-channels/ |archive-date=23 December 2021 |access-date=27 December 2021 |website=Bleeping Computer |language=en-US}}</ref> Ownership of channels and groups can be transferred to one of the admins if the owner wishes to give up their rights.

Groups support threaded replies, where bringing up the context menu on a message allows one to open a screen with a thread of replies made to that message and the subsequent ones in the thread. Specific users can be tagged in the group by adding @username to a message, where “username” is that particular user’s username.

Groups and channels also support polls, which can be open or anonymous and can support multiple choices. When forwarded, polls retain the answer data and any votes cast in other chats will count toward the overall total.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-24 |title=Telegram introduces a new feature that WhatsApp doesn't have: Poll 2.0 |url=https://tech.hindustantimes.com/tech/news/telegram-introduces-a-new-feature-that-whatsapp-doesn-t-have-poll-2-0-story-pOkzTJb1xvPl87Ic5ya9XI.html |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=HT Tech |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=23 January 2020 |title=Telegram 5.14 adds multiple-answer and quiz polls (APK Download) |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/01/23/telegram-5-14-adds-multiple-answer-and-quiz-polls-apk-download/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603124745/https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/01/23/telegram-5-14-adds-multiple-answer-and-quiz-polls-apk-download/ |archive-date=3 June 2021 |access-date=3 June 2021 |website=Android Police}}</ref>

Channels are one-way feeds where the channel owner or admins can post content while followers can only read, react and comment, if comments have been enabled.<ref name="APSearchComments">{{cite web |date=30 September 2020 |title=Telegram adds search filters, anonymous admins, channel replies, and more |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/09/30/telegram-adds-search-filters-anonymous-admins-channel-replies-and-more/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125050457/https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/09/30/telegram-adds-search-filters-anonymous-admins-channel-replies-and-more/ |archive-date=25 January 2021 |access-date=25 May 2021 |website=Android Police}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=1 June 2019 |title=Telegram 5.7 further enhances privacy, improves group and channel features, and more |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/06/01/telegram-5-7-further-enhances-privacy-improves-group-and-channel-features-and-more/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525092954/https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/06/01/telegram-5-7-further-enhances-privacy-improves-group-and-channel-features-and-more/ |archive-date=25 May 2021 |access-date=25 May 2021 |website=Android Police}}</ref> Channels can be created for broadcasting messages to an unlimited number of subscribers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lobao |first1=Martim |date=22 September 2015 |title=Telegram v3.2 Brings Channels For Broadcasting Your Messages To The World |work=Android Police |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2015/09/22/telegram-v3-2-brings-channels-broadcasting-messages-world/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512175942/https://www.androidpolice.com/2015/09/22/telegram-v3-2-brings-channels-broadcasting-messages-world/ |archive-date=12 May 2019}}</ref> The list of those who subscribe to a channel can only be seen by its admins. Posting in the channel is anonymous, though admins can choose to add signatures to their posts. Channels offer detailed statistics on view counts, user growth and interactions, also visible only to admins.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-16 |title=Telegram 6.0 adds chat folders, channel statistics, and more |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/telegram-60-adds-chat-folders-channel-statistics-and-more/ |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=Neowin |language=en}}</ref> Channel owners are able to use Telegram to create giveaways, randomly awarding channel members with prizes such as Telegram Premium subscriptions to their followers, based on certain criteria.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vasile |first=Cosmin |date=2023-11-07 |title=Telegram update brings the ability to host giveaways |url=https://www.phonearena.com/news/telegram-update-channel-giveaways_id152336 |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=PhoneArena |language=en-US}}</ref> Users with a Telegram Premium subscription have a number of "boosts" that they can give to channels, which allow the channel to "level up" and unlock features, such as the ability to customize messages or post stories as the channel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kellen |date=2023-09-22 |title=Telegram Adds Stories for Channels Where You Have All the Power |url=https://www.droid-life.com/2023/09/22/telegram-channel-stories-boost/ |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=www.droid-life.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

In December 2019, {{wipe|Bloomberg News}} moved their messenger-based newsletter service from [[Software:WhatsApp|WhatsApp]] to Telegram after the former banned bulk and automated messaging.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-12-04/how-to-follow-bloomberg-on-telegram|title=How to Follow Bloomberg on Telegram|last=Hess|first=Megan|date=3 December 2019|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|access-date=10 January 2020|archive-date=8 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208134608/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-12-04/how-to-follow-bloomberg-on-telegram|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite web|url=https://digiday.com/media/bloomberg-news-using-telegram/|title=How Bloomberg News is using Telegram|last=Ting|first=Deanna|date=10 January 2020|website=Digiday|language=en-US|access-date=10 January 2020|archive-date=9 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209095859/https://digiday.com/media/bloomberg-news-using-telegram/|url-status=live}}</ref> Other news services with official channels on the platform include the ''[[Social:Financial Times|Financial Times]]'',<ref>{{cite web |title=Join the FT Telegram channel to receive Ukraine coverage alerts |url=https://www.ft.com/telegram |website=Financial Times |date=24 March 2020 |access-date=1 May 2022}}</ref> ''Business Insider''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mahal |first1=Pavan |title=Sign up for Telegram updates from Business Insider |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/sign-up-for-telegram-updates-business-insider-2021-1 |website=Business Insider |access-date=1 May 2022}}</ref> and ''{{wipe|The New York Times}}''.<ref>{{cite news |title=The New York Times launches a Telegram channel to deliver news about the war. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/14/world/europe/telegram-nyt.html |website=The New York Times |date=14 March 2022 |access-date=1 May 2022}}</ref>

Channels have also been used by governments and heads of state. Notable examples include Volodymyr Zelensky<ref name="TimeZelenskyy">{{cite magazine |last1=Bergengruen |first1=Vera |date=21 March 2022 |title=How Telegram Became the Digital Battlefield in the Russia-Ukraine War |url=https://time.com/6158437/telegram-russia-ukraine-information-war/ |access-date=1 May 2022 |magazine=TIME }}</ref> and Emmanuel Macron.<ref>{{cite web |title=Telegram: Contact @emmanuelmacron |url=https://t.me/emmanuelmacron |website=Telegram |access-date=1 May 2022}}</ref> Channels have been used by journalists in oppressive regimes to establish independent news networks.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Ptak |first1=Guillaume |title=The Telegram-Powered News Outlet Waging Guerrilla War on Russia |url=https://www.wired.com/story/february-morning-russia-ukraine-war/ |magazine=Wired |date=29 August 2022 |access-date=30 August 2022}}</ref>

=== Video and voice calls ===

Since 2017, Telegram users have been able to initiate one-on-one calls in private chats. Calls are end-to-end encrypted and prioritize [[Peer-to-peer|peer-to-peer]] connections. Video calls were introduced in August 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lyons |first=Kim |date=2020-08-15 |title=Telegram launches one-on-one video calls on iOS and Android |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/15/21370420/telegram-video-calls-os-android |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Flaherty |first=Kate |title=Telegram Just Launched A Major New Feature To Beat Zoom |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kateoflahertyuk/2020/08/16/telegram-just-launched-a-major-new-feature-to-beat-zoom/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209111454/https://www.forbes.com/sites/kateoflahertyuk/2020/08/16/telegram-just-launched-a-major-new-feature-to-beat-zoom/ |archive-date=9 December 2020 |access-date=2020-09-03 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> According to Telegram, there is a [[Artificial neural network|neural network]] working to learn various technical parameters about a call to provide better quality of service for future uses.<ref name="Telegram Voice Calls">{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/30/telegram-call/ |publisher=TechCrunch |title=Telegram introduces voice calls, touting end-to-end encryption |date=30 March 2017 |access-date=25 May 2021 |archive-date=25 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525092951/https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/30/telegram-call/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Telegram added group voice chats in December 2020<ref>{{Cite web|title=Telegram gets Discord-like group voice chats|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/23/22196894/telegram-voice-chats-group-discord-feature|access-date=2020-12-23|website=www.theverge.com|date=23 December 2020|language=en|archive-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223172226/https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/23/22196894/telegram-voice-chats-group-discord-feature|url-status=live}}</ref> and group video chats in June 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Serrano |first=Jody |date=2021-06-27 |title=A Year Later, Telegram Finally Launches the Group Video Calls It Promised |url=https://gizmodo.com.au/2021/06/a-year-later-telegram-finally-launches-the-group-video-calls-it-promised/ |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Gizmodo Australia |language=en-AU}}</ref> Group voice and video chats support picture-in-picture video, as well as sharing one's screen, creating a recording of the call, noise suppression and selective muting.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kew-Denniss |first=Zachary |date=25 June 2021 |title=Group video calls and animated backgrounds are finally here in Telegram 7.8 |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2021/06/25/telegram-beta-7-8-adds-video-and-screen-sharing-in-groups/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625191110/https://www.androidpolice.com/2021/06/25/telegram-beta-7-8-adds-video-and-screen-sharing-in-groups/ |archive-date=25 June 2021 |access-date=26 June 2021 |work=Android Police}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Lyons |first=Kim |date=26 June 2021 |title=Telegram adds group video calling at last |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/26/22551652/telegram-adds-group-video-calling-chat |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626140818/https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/26/22551652/telegram-adds-group-video-calling-chat |archive-date=26 June 2021 |access-date=26 June 2021 |work=The Verge}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-25 |title=Group Video Calls |url=https://telegram.org/blog/group-video-calls |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625224638/https://telegram.org/blog/group-video-calls |archive-date=25 June 2021 |access-date=2021-06-27 |website=Telegram}}</ref> In channels, users can start a [[Live streaming|livestream]], able to integrate with third-party apps such as [[Software:OBS Studio|OBS Studio]] and [[Software:XSplit|XSplit]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://telegram.org/blog/live-streams-forwarding-next-channel |title=Live Streams, Flexible Forwarding, Jump to Next Channel, Trending Stickers and More |date=31 August 2021 |access-date=8 December 2021 |archive-date=8 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208183034/https://telegram.org/blog/live-streams-forwarding-next-channel |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Bonggolto |first1=Jay |title=Telegram picks up a new download manager and redesigns its attachment menu |url=https://www.androidcentral.com/telegram-update-download-manager-attachment-menu-live-streaming-with-third-party-apps |website=Android Central |date=11 March 2022 |access-date=21 May 2022}}</ref>

Once launched, a group voice chat will remain active and open to all group members until an admin specifically closes it.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=2020-12-23 |title=Telegram gets Discord-like group voice chats |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/23/22196894/telegram-voice-chats-group-discord-feature |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref>

=== Privacy and Security Features ===
By default, logging into Telegram requires either an SMS sent to the registered number or a code message sent to one of the active sessions on another device. Users have the option to set a two-step verification password and add a recovery email.<ref>{{Cite magazine |author=Yasmin Ahmed |date=5 June 2020 |title=Telegram adds two-step verification for better security, launches in-app video editor to platform |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/telegram-adds-two-step-verification-for-better-security-launches-in-app-video-editor-to-platform-1685933-2020-06-05 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219051314/https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/telegram-adds-two-step-verification-for-better-security-launches-in-app-video-editor-to-platform-1685933-2020-06-05 |archive-date=19 December 2020 |access-date=2020-12-11 |magazine=India Today |language=en}}</ref> In late 2022, options to ''[[Sign in with Apple]]'' and ''Sign In with Google'' or with an email address were added.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Beta Info English |url=https://t.me/s/betainfoen/1032 |access-date=2023-01-18 |website=Telegram}}</ref> Whenever a new device successfully logs in to a user's account, a special service notification is sent and a login alert is displayed in the chat list of their other devices.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Telegram update brings stories in Channels, better login alerts and more {{!}} Technology |url=https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/technology/2604607-telegram-update-brings-stories-in-channels-better-login-alerts-and-more |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=Devdiscourse |language=en}}</ref>

In the ''Privacy and Security'' submenu of Settings, users have the option to hide their “Last Seen” status,<ref>{{Cite web |title=How to Hide Last Seen on Telegram |url=https://www.alphr.com/how-to-hide-last-seen-on-telegram/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=Alphr |language=en-US}}</ref> which reflects the last time the user opened a Telegram app. Hiding the status obfuscates the exact time of the user being online and hides the statuses of other people respectively. Similarly, users can hide their phone number and profile photo from people based on categories such as Non-Contacts or by adding exceptions. When a user chooses to hide their profile photo, they have an option of setting an alternative "Public Profile Picture" that will be shown instead.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kellen |date=2022-12-30 |title=Telegram's 10 New Features are Its Best in a While |url=https://www.droid-life.com/2022/12/30/telegram-update-adds-spoiler-alerts-profile-pic-controls-and-lots-more/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=www.droid-life.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

In the same menu, users can restrict the circle of people who can call them or invite them to groups and channels, while Premium users also have the option to restrict who can send them voice messages.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Espósito |first=Filipe |date=August 13, 2022 |title=Telegram update approved in App Store after Apple complained about animated emoji |url=https://9to5mac.com/2022/08/13/telegram-app-store-apple-complained-emoji/ |access-date=January 14, 2024 |website=9to5Mac}}</ref>

The ''Devices'' submenu shows all of the active devices on a user's account and allows them to remotely log out from those devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilbert |first=Jon |last2=Mascellino |first2=Alessandro |date=2022-03-22 |title=Top 10 tips for using Telegram safely and securely |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/top-tips-using-telegram-safely-securely/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=Android Police |language=en}}</ref>

=== Data and Storage Settings ===
Telegram clients have the ability to turn off media autoplay and automatic downloads for both WiFi and mobile data, adjusting them for media type and size. Auto download settings can also be applied based on chat type such as group, channel or private.

Cache settings can be changed to automatically clear the cache once it reaches a certain size or a certain time passes. The interface shows users a visual representation of their storage usage and also lets them sort their cached media by size to clear specific items.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Potuck |first=Michael |date=December 30, 2022 |title=Telegram for iOS gets new drawing and text tools, updates for hidden media, zero storage use, more |url=https://9to5mac.com/2022/12/30/telegram-ios-update-2/ |access-date=January 14, 2024 |website=9to5Mac}}</ref>

=== Bots ===

In June 2015, Telegram launched a platform for third-party developers to create bots.<ref name="Telegram Bot Platform">{{cite web|url=https://telegram.org/blog/bot-revolution|publisher=Telegram|title=Telegram Bot Platform|date=24 June 2015|access-date=1 September 2015|archive-date=12 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212053626/https://telegram.org/blog/bot-revolution|url-status=live}}</ref> Bots are Telegram accounts operated by programs. They can respond to messages or [[Social:Mention (blogging)|mentions]] directly or can be invited into groups, and are able to perform tasks, integrate with other programs and host mini apps.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Liao |first=Rita |date=2023-09-26 |title=Telegram starts to look like a super app, echoing WeChat |url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/09/25/telegram-wechat-super-app-ton-foundation/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Telegram Mini Apps |url=https://core.telegram.org/bots/webapps |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=core.telegram.org}}</ref> Bots can also accept online payments made with credit cards or [[Software:Apple Pay|Apple Pay]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://telegram.org/blog/payments|title=Payments for Bots|website=Telegram|date=18 May 2017|access-date=12 February 2018|archive-date=9 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509215757/https://telegram.org/blog/payments|url-status=live}}</ref> The Dutch website ''[[Tweakers]]'' reported that an invited bot can potentially read all group messages when the bot controller changes the access settings silently at a later point in time. Telegram pointed out that it considered implementing a feature that would announce such a status change within the relevant group.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://tweakers.net/nieuws/104386/telegram-bots-kunnen-relatief-ongemerkt-meelezen-in-groepsgesprekken.html|title = Telegram-bots kunnen relatief ongemerkt meelezen in groepsgesprekken|date = 23 July 2015|access-date = 25 October 2015|website = [[Tweakers]]|last = Schellevis|first = Joost|language = nl|archive-date = 12 May 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190512150205/https://tweakers.net/nieuws/104386/telegram-bots-kunnen-relatief-ongemerkt-meelezen-in-groepsgesprekken.html|url-status = live}}</ref> There are also inline bots, which can be used from any chat screen. To activate an inline bot, a user must type the bot's username and a query in the message field. The bot then will offer its content. The user can choose from that content and send it within a chat.<ref name="Inline Bots">{{cite web|url=https://telegram.org/blog/inline-bots|publisher=Telegram|title=Introducing Inline Bots|date=4 January 2016|access-date=4 April 2017|archive-date=9 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809155850/https://telegram.org/blog/inline-bots|url-status=live}}</ref> Certain approved bots are also able to integrate into the attachment menu, making them accessible in any chat.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Launching Mini Apps from the Attachment Menu |url=https://core.telegram.org/bots/webapps#launching-mini-apps-from-the-attachment-menu |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=core.telegram.org}}</ref>

Bots can also handle transactions provided by [[Finance:Paymentwall|Paymentwall]], [[Company:Yandex.Money|Yandex.Money]], [[Company:Stripe|Stripe]], Ravepay, Razorpay, QiWi and [[Software:Google Pay (payment method)|Google Pay]] for different countries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://telegram.org/blog/payments|title=Payments for Bots|date=18 May 2017|website=Telegram|access-date=12 February 2018|archive-date=9 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509215757/https://telegram.org/blog/payments|url-status=live}}</ref> Bots also power Telegram's gaming platform, which utilizes HTML5, so games are loaded on-demand as needed, like ordinary webpages. Games work on iPhones 4 and newer and on Android 4.4 devices and newer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://telegram.org/blog/games|title=Gaming Platform 1.0|date=3 October 2016|website=Telegram|access-date=16 August 2020|archive-date=9 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809190314/https://telegram.org/blog/games|url-status=live}}</ref>

People can use Internet Of Things (IoT) services with two-ways interaction for [[Company:IFTTT|IFTTT]] implemented within Telegram.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://telegram.org/blog/pin-and-ifttt|title=Pinned Chats and IFTTT Integrations|date=7 December 2016|website=Telegram|access-date=16 August 2020|archive-date=9 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209081235/https://telegram.org/blog/pin-and-ifttt|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Telegram android app test receipt order Screenshot 20210627.png|alt=app window user interface shows shipment address, name, price, payment software|thumb|Test order receipt prior checkout through Telegram]]
In April 2021, the Payments 2.0 upgrade enabled bot payments within any chat, using third-party services such as Sberbank, Tranzoo, Payme, CLICK, LiqPay and ECOMMPAY to process the credit card information.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-27|title=Telegram now lets retailers accept credit cards in any chat|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/telegram-adds-new-payment-features-latest-update|access-date=2021-04-27|website=Windows Central|language=en|archive-date=27 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427155309/https://www.windowscentral.com/telegram-adds-new-payment-features-latest-update|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2018, Telegram launched their [[Social:Social login|social login]] feature to its users, named Telegram Login. It features a website widget that could be embedded into websites, allowing users to sign into a third party website with their Telegram account. The gateway sends users' Telegram name, username, and profile picture to the website owner, while users' phone number remains hidden. The gateway is integrated with a bot, which is linked with the developer's specific website domain.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Telegram 4.8 arrives with Telegram Login and streaming|language=en|work=Neowin|url=https://www.neowin.net/news/telegram-48-arrives-with-telegram-login-and-streaming|access-date=12 February 2018|archive-date=18 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518221145/https://www.neowin.net/news/telegram-48-arrives-with-telegram-login-and-streaming|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2021, an update introduced a new bot menu where users can browse and send commands while in a chat with a bot.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=2021-06-25|title=Animated Backgrounds|url=https://telegram.org/blog/animated-backgrounds|access-date=2021-06-27|website=Telegram|archive-date=26 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626105339/https://telegram.org/blog/animated-backgrounds|url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 2022, bots gained support for customized interfaces and inline page loading. Interfaces can be adjusted to match the app's theme even if it changes while interacting with the bot.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-16 |title=Notification Sounds, Bot Revolution and More |url=https://telegram.org/blog/notifications-bots |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=Telegram}}</ref>

=== Stickers and animated emoji ===

Telegram has more than 20,000 [[Sticker (messaging)|sticker]]s. Stickers are cloud-based, high-resolution images intended to provide more expressive [[Emoji|emoji]]. When typing in an emoji, the user is offered to send the respective sticker instead. Stickers come in collections called "packs", and multiple stickers can be offered for one emoji. Telegram comes with one default sticker pack,<ref name="Telegram Stickers">{{cite web|url=https://telegram.org/blog/stickers-meet-art-and-history|publisher=Telegram|title=Telegram Stickers|date=2 January 2015|access-date=5 January 2016|archive-date=6 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806091723/https://telegram.org/blog/stickers-meet-art-and-history|url-status=live}}</ref> but users can install additional sticker packs provided by third-party contributors. Sticker sets installed from one client become automatically available to all other clients. Sticker images use [[Software:WebP|WebP]] file format, which is better optimized to be transmitted over the internet. The Telegram clients also support animated emoji.<ref name=":2" /> In January 2022, video stickers were added, which use the [[WebM]] file format and do not feature any software requirements to create.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Itani |first1=Mahmoud |title=Telegram introduces video stickers, improved reactions, and more |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/telegram-video-stickers-improved-reactions/ |website=XDA |date=1 February 2022 |access-date=16 May 2022}}</ref> In September 2022, Telegram has given free users access to dozens of reactions, even some that were only previously available to Premium subscribers. In order to accommodate the new reactions, the reaction panel has been expanded and redesigned.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-20 |title=Telegram's new update brings more emoji fun and lots of quality of life improvements |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/telegram-update-for-september-2022/ |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=XDA |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== People Nearby and Groups Nearby ===

People Nearby can help users meet new friends by turning on phone GPS location and opting-in contacts and through Groups Nearby people can create a local group by adding location data to groups.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/06/25/telegram-adds-location-flavored-extras-and-full-group-ownership-transfers/ |title=Telegram adds location-flavored extras and full group ownership transfers |date=25 June 2019 |website=TechCrunch |access-date=3 June 2021 |archive-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603124745/https://techcrunch.com/2019/06/25/telegram-adds-location-flavored-extras-and-full-group-ownership-transfers/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://telegram.org/blog/protected-content-delete-by-date-and-more|title = Protected Content, Delete by Date, Device Management and More|date = 7 December 2021|access-date = 8 December 2021|archive-date = 8 December 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211208180925/https://telegram.org/blog/protected-content-delete-by-date-and-more|url-status = live}}</ref>

=== Stories ===
Similar to other social platforms, Telegram users can post [[Social:Story (social media)|stories]], a type of short-form content. Telegram stories have several distinctive features, like a dual-camera mode, extra privacy settings, the ability to edit stories after posting them, as well as to rewind and fast-forward them while watching.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-15 |title=Telegram stories are finally available to everyone |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/telegram-10-update-stories-available/ |access-date=2023-08-21 |website=Android Police |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Malik |first=Aisha |date=2023-08-14 |title=Telegram rolls out its Stories feature to all users |url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/14/telegram-rolls-out-its-stories-feature-to-all-users/ |access-date=2023-08-21 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Telegram: Telegram rolls out new features with Halloween update: Replies 2.0, adjustable link previews and more |url=https://www.gadgetsnow.com/apps/telegram-rolls-out-new-features-with-halloween-update-replies-2-0-adjustable-link-previews-and-more/articleshow/104832900.cms |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=Gadgets Now |language=en}}</ref>

=== Premium Features ===
Telegram Premium was launched on 19 June 2022 with regional pricing.<ref name="700M_premium" /><ref name=":4" /> The optional paid subscription gives users increased limits in the app, such as larger file uploads, faster download speeds, unlimited voice message transcription,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weatherbed |first=Jess |date=2023-12-01 |title=Telegram opens up voice transcription to all users in latest update |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/1/23983851/telegram-update-voice-transcription-similar-channels-feature |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref> as well as numerous other increases such as the number of pinned chats and folders. Premium users also have access to extra stickers, emoji, reactions, and customization features like a special badge and the ability to change the look of their messages in chats. Premium users also get access to additional settings, like instant chat translation, and the ability to restrict who can send them voice messages.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Manish |date=2022-06-19 |title=Telegram launches premium tier as it tops 700 million users |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/06/19/telegram-tops-700-million-users-launches-premium-tier/ |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Roth |first=Emma |date=2022-06-19 |title=Telegram's Premium subscription is here and it costs $4.99 / month |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/19/23174976/telegram-premium-subscription-4-99-month-bigger-uploads-faster-downloads |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref>

As of 2023, Telegram Premium can be acquired via in-app purchases facilitated by Apple and Google, directly via Telegram’s @PremiumBot, or with cryptocurrency on the Fragment platform.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-02 |title=What is Telegram Premium and should you upgrade? |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/telegram-premium-price-features-availability-3177921/ |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=Android Authority |language=en}}</ref> Users are able to purchase a subscription for themselves, or purchase a subscription for someone else to send as a gift. Premium subscriptions can also be won through official Channel Giveaways, in which Telegram channels pre-purchase a specific number of Premium subscriptions that are randomly given away to their subscribers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vasile |first=Cosmin |date=2023-11-07 |title=Telegram update brings the ability to host giveaways |url=https://www.phonearena.com/news/telegram-update-channel-giveaways_id152336 |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=PhoneArena |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Related platforms ==

[[File:Telegra.ph example article editing.png|thumb|Telegraph article]]
People can use their Telegram accounts to author articles on Telegraph – a minimalistic text editor and publisher. While articles on Telegraph can be published anonymously, tying them to one's account allows one to check their view count and edit them later. Telegraph natively supports Instant View, a feature which lets users read full articles in the chat with no load time and without opening an external browser.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |date=23 November 2016 |title= Secure messaging app Telegram now offers its own anonymous blogging platform |url= https://techcrunch.com/2016/11/22/telegram-telegraph/ |url-status= live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525092951/https://techcrunch.com/2016/11/22/telegram-telegraph/ |archive-date=25 May 2021 |access-date= 25 May 2021 |work=TechCrunch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 December 2018 |title=Custom Languages, Instant View 2.0 and More |url= https://telegram.org/blog/translations-iv2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209081856/https://telegram.org/blog/translations-iv2 |archive-date=9 December 2020 |access-date=16 August 2020 | publisher =Telegram}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Instant View |url= https://instantview.telegram.org/ |url-status= live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209081927/https://instantview.telegram.org/ |archive-date= 9 December 2020 |access-date=16 August 2020 | publisher = Telegram}}</ref>

When an article is first published, the URL is generated automatically from its title. Non-Latin characters are transliterated, spaces are replaced with hyphens, and the date of publication is added to the address. For example, an article titled "Telegraph (blog platform)" published on 17 November would receive the URL <code>/Telegraph-blog-platform-11-17</code>.<ref name="auto" />

Text formatting options are also minimal: two levels of headings, single-level lists, bold, italics, quotes, and hyperlinks are supported. Authors can upload images and videos to the page, with a limit of 5 [[Megabyte|MB]]. When an author adds links to YouTube, Vimeo, or Twitter, the service allows you to embed their content directly in the article.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-11-22 |title=Telegram launches Telegraph, a long-form publishing platform |url= https://venturebeat.com/2016/11/22/telegram-launches-telegraph-a-long-form-publishing-platform/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209084752/https://venturebeat.com/2016/11/22/telegram-launches-telegraph-a-long-form-publishing-platform/ |archive-date=9 December 2020 |access-date=2020-12-05 |website=VentureBeat |language=en-US}}</ref>

In February 2018, Telegram launched their [[Social:Social login|social login]] feature to its users, named Telegram Login. It features a website widget that could be embedded into websites, allowing users to sign into a third party website with their Telegram account. The gateway sends users' Telegram name, username, and profile picture to the website owner, while users' phone number remains hidden. The gateway is integrated with a bot, which is linked with the developer's specific website domain.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Telegram 4.8 arrives with Telegram Login and streaming |language=en |work=Neowin |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/telegram-48-arrives-with-telegram-login-and-streaming |url-status=live |access-date=12 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518221145/https://www.neowin.net/news/telegram-48-arrives-with-telegram-login-and-streaming |archive-date=18 May 2019}}</ref>

In July 2018, Telegram introduced their online authorization and [[Identity-management system|identity-management system]], Telegram Passport, for platforms that require real-life identification.<ref>{{cite web |date=26 July 2018 |title=Introducing Telegram Passport |url=https://telegram.org/blog/passport |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201209121831/https://telegram.org/blog/passport |archive-date=9 December 2020 |access-date=4 August 2018 | publisher = Telegram}}</ref> It asks users to upload their own official documents such as passport, identity card, driver license, etc. When an online service requires such identification documents and verification, it forwards the information to the platform with the user's permission. Telegram stated that it does not have access to the data, while the platform will share the information only with the authorized recipient.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Telegram Passport stores your real-world IDs in the cloud |language=en-US |work=Engadget |url=https://www.engadget.com/2018/07/27/telegram-passport/ |url-status=live |access-date=4 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724110556/https://www.engadget.com/2018/07/27/telegram-passport/ |archive-date= 24 July 2019}}</ref> However, the service was criticised for being vulnerable to online [[Brute-force attack|brute-force attacks]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Canellis |first= David |date= 2 August 2018 |title=Telegram Passport is already drawing fire for not being secure enough |language=en-US | work = The Next Web |url= https://thenextweb.com/hardfork/2018/08/02/telegram-passport-passwords-crack/ |url-status=live |access-date=4 August 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201209121912/https://thenextweb.com/hardfork/2018/08/02/telegram-passport-passwords-crack/ |archive-date=9 December 2020}}</ref>

In December 2020, Telegram launched a Bugs and Suggestions platform,<ref>{{Cite web | title=Telegram messenger launches voice chat for groups, to introduce premium features next year |url=https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/telegram-messenger-launches-voice-chat-for-groups-to-introduce-premium-features-next-year/79936124 |access-date=2023-06-17 |website=ETTelecom | via = India Times}}</ref> where users can submit bug reports and suggestion cards for new features. Others can then vote and comment on the cards.

== Architecture ==

=== Privacy ===

[[File:Explanation of secret chats (Telegram).png|thumb|200px|A simplified illustration of the MTProto encryption scheme]]
For encrypted chats (branded as Secret Chats), Telegram uses a custom-built symmetric encryption scheme called MTProto. The protocol was developed by Nikolai Durov and other developers at Telegram and, as of version 2.0, is based on 256-bit symmetric [[Advanced Encryption Standard|AES]] encryption, 2048-bit [[RSA (cryptosystem)|RSA]] encryption and [[Diffie–Hellman key exchange]].<ref name="techfaq">{{cite web|url = https://core.telegram.org/techfaq|title = FAQ for the Technically Inclined|website = Telegram|access-date = 9 January 2016|archive-date = 28 January 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170128144833/https://core.telegram.org/techfaq|url-status = live}}</ref><ref name=":15">{{Cite arXiv |last1=Miculan |first1=Marino |last2=Vitacolonna |first2=Nicola |date=5 Dec 2020 |title=Automated Symbolic Verification of Telegram's MTProto 2.0 |class=cs.CR |eprint=2012.03141v1 }}</ref>

MTProto 1.0 was deprecated in favor of MTProto 2.0 in December 2017, which was deployed in Telegram clients as of v4.6.<ref name=":15" /> 

Version 2.0 was [[Zero-knowledge proof|proven formally correct]] in December 2020 by a team from the [[Organization:University of Udine|University of Udine, Italy]]. The team reviewed the protocol after realizing that they could only find in-depth verifications done of version 1.0, where most criticisms were levied. They used [[Software:ProVerif|ProVerif]], a verifier based on the symbolic [[Dolev–Yao model|Dolev-Yao model]]. In the published paper, they "provide a fully automated proof of the soundness of MTProto 2.0’s protocols for authentication, normal chat, end-to-end encrypted chat, and re-keying mechanisms with respect to several security properties, including authentication, integrity, confidentiality and perfect forward secrecy...MTProto 2.0 is assumed to be a perfect authenticated encryption scheme ([[Ciphertext indistinguishability|IND-CCA]] and INT-CTXT)."<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":16">{{cite journal |last1=Miculan |first1=Marino |last2=Vitacolonna |first2=Nicola |title=Automated verification of Telegram's MTProto 2.0 in the symbolic model |journal=Computers & Security |date=March 2023 |volume=126 |pages=103072 |doi=10.1016/j.cose.2022.103072}}</ref>
However, the team also stated that because all communication, including plaintext and ciphertext, passes through Telegram servers, and because the server is responsible for choosing Diffie–Hellman parameters, the "server should not be considered as trusted." They also concluded that a [[Man-in-the-middle attack|man-in-the-middle attack]] is possible if users fail to check the [[Fingerprint (computing)|fingerprints]] of their shared [[Key (cryptography)|keys]]. Finally, they qualified their conclusion with the caveat that "properties need to be formally proved in order to deem MTProto 2.0 definitely secure. This proof cannot be done in a symbolic model like ProVerif’s, but it can be achieved in a computational model, using tools like [[Software:CryptoVerif|CryptoVerif]] or EasyCrypt."

=== Servers ===

As with most instant messaging protocols, Telegram uses [[Centralized computing|centralized]] servers. Telegram Messenger LLP has servers in a number of countries throughout the world to improve the response time of their service.<ref>{{cite web|trans-title=Telegram, the chat that competes with WhatsApp|place=UY|url=http://www.elpais.com.uy/vida-actual/que-telegram-chat-que-compite.html|work=El País|title=Telegram, el chat que compite con Whatsapp|language=es|access-date=8 January 2016|archive-date=8 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208163824/http://www.elpais.com.uy/vida-actual/que-telegram-chat-que-compite.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Telegram's server-side software is closed-source and proprietary.<ref name=faq-why-not-open-souce>{{Cite web|title=Telegram FAQ|url=https://telegram.org/faq#q-can-i-get-telegram-39s-server-side-code|access-date=2021-03-29|website=Telegram|archive-date=9 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209082001/https://telegram.org/faq#q-can-i-get-telegram-39s-server-side-code|url-status=live}}</ref> Pavel Durov said that it would require a major architectural redesign of the server-side software to connect independent servers to the Telegram cloud.<ref>{{cite web|title = Pavel Durov, creador de Telegram: "Ninguna aplicación es 100% segura"|url = http://www.eldiario.es/turing/moviles_y_tabletas/telegram-pavel_durov-entrevista-app-movil-seguridad_0_224677688.html|work = eldiario.es|date = 2 February 2014|access-date = 12 February 2014|trans-title = Pavel Durov, creator of Telegram: "No application is 100% safe"|last = Rull|first = Antonio|language = es|archive-date = 8 February 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140208003046/http://www.eldiario.es/turing/moviles_y_tabletas/telegram-pavel_durov-entrevista-app-movil-seguridad_0_224677688.html|url-status = live}}</ref>

For users who signed in from the European Economic Area (EEA) or United Kingdom, the [[General Data Protection Regulation]]s (GDPR) are supported by storing data only on servers in the Netherlands, and designating a [[Place:London|London]]-based company as their responsible data controller.<ref name=lexology-20200129>{{cite web |url=https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=066cf923-6cb5-49d9-b0c7-2c433ba521ea |title=GDPR vs US Discovery: US Court Makes Clear Non-US Entities Can't Avoid Discovery |publisher=Law Business Research |work=Linklaters LLP |date=29 January 2020 |access-date=19 June 2020 |archive-date=21 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621042801/https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=066cf923-6cb5-49d9-b0c7-2c433ba521ea |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=telegram-storingdata>{{cite web |url=https://telegram.org/privacy#4-1-storing-data |title=Telegram Privacy Policy – Storing Data |publisher=Telegram |access-date=19 June 2020 |archive-date=8 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908095619/https://telegram.org/privacy#4-1-storing-data |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=telegram-eea>{{cite web |url=https://telegram.org/privacy#1-4-eea-representative |title=Telegram Privacy Policy – EEA Representative |publisher=Telegram |access-date=19 June 2020 |archive-date=8 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908095619/https://telegram.org/privacy#1-4-eea-representative |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Clients ===

Telegram has various client apps, some developed by Telegram Messenger LLP and some by the community. Most of them are free and open-source and released under the [[Software:GNU General Public License|GNU General Public Licence]] {{Nowrap|version 2}} or 3. The official clients support sending any file format extensions. The built-in media viewer supports common media formats – JPEG, PNG, WebP for images and H.264 and HEVC in videos in MP4 container and MP3, FLAC, Vorbis, Opus and AAC for audio.

In 2021, the Telegram team announced a direct build of its Android app. Telegram for Android is available directly from the Telegram website.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Telegram for Android|url=https://telegram.org/android|access-date=2021-06-17|website=Telegram|archive-date=14 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614012044/https://telegram.org/android|url-status=live}}</ref> It is automatically updated and will most likely get new versions faster than the apps in the Play Store and App Store.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Telegram Tips|url=https://t.me/TelegramTips/275|access-date=2021-06-17|website=Telegram|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200141/https://t.me/TelegramTips/275|url-status=live}}</ref> A distinctive feature of this version is the ability to view channels/groups on a specific topic without censorship, which cannot be viewed from an app distributed from Google Play or the Apple Store due to their policies.{{Citation needed|date=June 2021}}

'''Common specifications:'''

* No cloud backup option for secret chat

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name !! Platform(s) !! Official !! Source code license !! Support for secret chats !! Notes
|-
| Telegram || [[Software:Android (operating system)|Android]] || {{yes}} || {{free|GPLv2 or later}}<ref name=Apps /><ref>{{cite web|author=DrKLO|url=https://github.com/DrKLO/Telegram|title=DrKLO/Telegram|website=GitHub|access-date=8 January 2016|archive-date=23 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123031644/https://github.com/DrKLO/Telegram|url-status=live}}</ref> || {{Yes}} || Supports [[Engineering:Tablet computer|tablets]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsslash.com/n/2288-telegram-anleitung-so-benutzt-man-den-messenger|language=de|title=Telegram-Anleitung: So benutzt man den Messenger|publisher=Newsslash|access-date=4 December 2014|archive-date=17 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017231618/https://www.newsslash.com/n/2288-telegram-anleitung-so-benutzt-man-den-messenger|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Software:Wear OS|Wear OS]] smart watches.<ref>{{cite web|language=es|trans-title=Telegram updated with Android Wear compatibility|url=http://sevilla.abc.es/mobility/noticia/android/noticias-android/telegram-se-actualiza-con-compatibilidad-para-android-wear/|title=Telegram se actualiza con compatibilidad para Android Wear|publisher=ABC|place=Sevilla|access-date=7 December 2014|archive-date=9 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209140512/https://sevilla.abc.es/mobility/noticia/android/noticias-android/telegram-se-actualiza-con-compatibilidad-para-android-wear/|url-status=live}}</ref> Support synchronisation between multiple devices.
|-
| Telegram || [[Software:IOS|iOS]] and [[Software:IPadOS|iPadOS]] || {{yes}} || {{free|GPLv2 or later}}<ref name=Apps /><ref>{{cite web|author=peter-iakovlev|url=https://github.com/peter-iakovlev/Telegram|title=peter-iakovlev/Telegram|website=GitHub|date=18 November 2015|access-date=8 January 2016|archive-date=9 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209140621/https://github.com/peter-iakovlev/Telegram|url-status=live}}</ref> || {{Yes}} || Launched in August 2013 for [[Engineering:IPhone|iPhone]] and [[Engineering:IPod Touch|iPod Touch]] and relaunched in July 2014 with support for [[Engineering:IPad|iPad]] and [[Engineering:Apple Watch|Apple Watch]].<ref>{{cite web|language=es|url=https://www.cnet.com/es/noticias/telegram-se-actualiza-para-la-pantalla-del-ipad/|trans-title=Telegram updates for the iPad screen|title=Telegram se actualiza para la pantalla del iPad|publisher=Cnet|access-date=17 April 2020|archive-date=9 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209140716/https://www.cnet.com/es/noticias/telegram-se-actualiza-para-la-pantalla-del-ipad/|url-status=live}}</ref> No longer compatible with [[Software:WatchOS|watchOS]].
|-
| Telegram X || [[Software:Android (operating system)|Android]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=cpy|first1=Mujeeb|title=Telegram X for Android Released&nbsp;– What's New|url=https://ibcomputing.com/telegram-x-for-android-released/|website=IB Computing|access-date=23 January 2018|language=en|date=23 January 2018|archive-date=9 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209140924/https://ibcomputing.com/telegram-x-for-android-released/|url-status=live}}</ref> || {{yes}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Telegram X: Progress through Competition|url=https://telegram.org/blog/telegram-x|website=telegram.org|date=31 January 2018|publisher=Telegram LLC|access-date=1 February 2018|archive-date=9 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209141017/https://telegram.org/blog/telegram-x|url-status=live}}</ref> || {{free|GPLv3 or later}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Telegram X — a slick experimental Telegram client based on TDLib. |url=https://github.com/TGX-Android/Telegram-X |publisher=Telegram X |date=18 June 2022}}</ref> || {{yes}} || An alternative Telegram client written from scratch, with higher speed, slicker animations, themes and more efficient battery use.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://github.com/TGX-Android/Telegram-X/commit/a760ab4108deedb4ca6ef17f908901d7866f5224|title=Emoji status (closes #311 and #312) (#388) · TGX-Android/Telegram-X@a760ab4|website=GitHub}}</ref>
iOS version is written with [[Swift (programming language)|Swift]]. Android version based on TDLib.
The iOS version was discontinued, with its code merged with the main Telegram app.
|-
| Telegram Messenger || [[Software:Windows Phone|Windows Phone]] || {{yes}} || {{free|GPLv2 or later}}<ref name=Apps>{{cite web|url=https://telegram.org/apps|website=Telegram.org|title=Telegram Apps|access-date=9 January 2016|archive-date=22 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522063000/https://telegram.org/apps|url-status=live}}</ref> || {{Yes}} || Provide synchronization between all platforms. No longer supported.
|-
| Telegram Desktop || [[Software:Windows|Windows]], [[Software:MacOS|macOS]], and [[Software:Linux|Linux]] || {{yes}} || {{free|GPLv3 with OpenSSL exception}}<ref>{{cite web|author=telegramdesktop|url=https://github.com/telegramdesktop/tdesktop|title=telegramdesktop/tdesktop|website=GitHub|access-date=8 January 2016|archive-date=9 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209141444/https://github.com/telegramdesktop/tdesktop|url-status=live}}</ref> || {{no}} || Qt-based desktop client. The Windows client is a traditional desktop app published in three flavors (with installer, portable, Windows Store app). The desktop version cannot be used anymore to register and log in, this feature is officially supported by the mobile app only.<ref name="desktop-login"/>
|-
| Telegram || [[Software:MacOS|macOS]] || {{yes}} || {{free|GPLv2}}<ref>{{cite web|author=overtake|url=https://github.com/overtake/telegram|title=overtake/telegram|website=GitHub|date=1 December 2015|access-date=8 January 2016|archive-date=9 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209141738/https://github.com/overtake/telegram|url-status=live}}</ref> || {{yes}} || Native macOS client.
|-
| Telegram Web A / Web K || Web || {{yes}} || {{free|GPLv3}}<ref name="WebK">{{cite web|author=morethanwords|url=https://github.com/morethanwords/tweb|title=morethanwords/tweb|website=GitHub|access-date=27 January 2022|archive-date=11 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210911021421/https://github.com/morethanwords/tweb|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="WebA">{{cite web|author=Ajaxy|url=https://github.com/Ajaxy/telegram-tt|title=Ajaxy/telegram-tt|website=GitHub|access-date=27 January 2022|archive-date=26 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026095217/https://github.com/Ajaxy/telegram-tt|url-status=live}}</ref> || {{No}} || Two web-based versions of Telegram.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Verma |first=Abhishek |date=April 15, 2021 |title=Telegram released two Web Apps: WebZ and WebK |work=DroidMaze |url=https://droidmaze.com/telegram-released-two-web-apps-webz-and-webk/ |access-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922183345/https://droidmaze.com/telegram-released-two-web-apps-webz-and-webk/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The web version cannot be used to register and log in, this feature is officially supported by the mobile app only.<ref name="web-login">{{cite web |title=no timer for sms code after sending to app on other device |url=https://github.com/zhukov/webogram/issues/2091 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710160022/https://github.com/zhukov/webogram/issues/2091 |archive-date=10 July 2021 |access-date=10 July 2021 |website=[[GitHub]]}}</ref> The code for the legacy web client called Webogram is available as well, though this version is no longer supported.<ref name="gh-webogram">{{cite web|author=Igor Zhukov|url=https://github.com/zhukov/webogram|title=zhukov/webogram|website=GitHub|access-date=8 January 2016|archive-date=9 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209141256/https://github.com/zhukov/webogram|url-status=live}}</ref>
|}

=== APIs ===

Telegram has public [[Application programming interface|APIs]] with which developers can access the same functionality as Telegram's official apps to build their own messaging applications.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.programmableweb.com/news/can-telegram-beat-whatsapp-public-api/2014/03/03|title=Can Telegram Beat WhatsApp with a Public API?|last=Roble|first=Patricio|date=3 March 2014|work=ProgrammableWeb|access-date=17 March 2016|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512230512/https://www.programmableweb.com/news/can-telegram-beat-whatsapp-public-api/2014/03/03|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2015, creators of the unofficial Whatsapp+ client released the Telegram Plus app, later renamed to Plus Messenger, after their original project got a [[Social:Cease and desist|cease-and-desist order]] from [[Software:WhatsApp|WhatsApp]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2015/02/27/whatsapp-developer-releases-telegram-forced-drop-first-project/|title=WhatsApp+ Developer Releases Telegram+ After Being Forced To Drop The First Project|last=King|first=Bertel|date=27 February 2015|work=AndroidPolice|access-date=17 March 2016|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512230458/https://www.androidpolice.com/2015/02/27/whatsapp-developer-releases-telegram-forced-drop-first-project/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2015/01/21/whatsapp-now-officially-dead-receiving-cease-desist-real-whatsapp/|title=WhatsApp+ Is Now Officially Dead After Receiving A Cease And Desist From The Real WhatsApp|date=21 January 2015|website=Android Police|access-date=17 March 2016|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512230511/https://www.androidpolice.com/2015/01/21/whatsapp-now-officially-dead-receiving-cease-desist-real-whatsapp/|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2015, [[Company:Samsung|Samsung]] released a messaging application based on these APIs.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://news.samsung.com/global/socializer-messenger-app-offers-a-new-approach-to-messaging|title = Socializer Messenger App Offers a New Approach to Messaging|date = 14 September 2015|access-date = 3 January 2016|archive-date = 12 May 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190512230453/https://news.samsung.com/global/socializer-messenger-app-offers-a-new-approach-to-messaging|url-status = live}}</ref>

Telegram also offers an API that allows developers to create bots, which are accounts controlled by programs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.programmableweb.com/news/telegram-launches-bot-api-and-platform/2015/06/29|title=Telegram Launches Bot API and Platform|last=Carter|first=Eric|date=27 June 2015|website=ProgrammableWeb|access-date=17 March 2016|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512230507/https://www.programmableweb.com/news/telegram-launches-bot-api-and-platform/2015/06/29|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/06/24/telegrams-new-platform-lets-developers-create-smart-message-bots-with-multiple-uses/|title=Telegram's New Platform Lets Developers Create Smart Message Bots With Multiple Uses|last=Butcher|first=Mike|date=24 June 2015|website=TechCrunch|access-date=15 September 2017|archive-date=3 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503201134/https://techcrunch.com/2015/06/24/telegrams-new-platform-lets-developers-create-smart-message-bots-with-multiple-uses/|url-status=live}}</ref> Such bots are used, among other things, to emulate and play old games in the app and inform users about vaccine availability for [[Medicine:COVID-19|COVID-19]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://jilaxzone.com/2021/03/12/theres-retro-game-emulator-hiding-inside-telegram-messenger-heres-how-to-use-it-android-iphone/ |title=There's retro-game emulator hiding inside Telegram Messenger. Here's how to use it |last=Jilaxzone |first=Jonathan |date=12 March 2021 |website=Jilaxzone |access-date=14 May 2021 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514230822/https://jilaxzone.com/2021/03/12/theres-retro-game-emulator-hiding-inside-telegram-messenger-heres-how-to-use-it-android-iphone/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/eligible-but-struggling-to-get-a-covid-19-vaccine-appointment-here-are-some-tips/2506408/ |title=Eligible But Struggling to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment? Here Are Some Tips |last=Budman |first=Scott |date=30 March 2021 |website=NBC Bay Area |access-date=14 May 2021 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514230822/https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/eligible-but-struggling-to-get-a-covid-19-vaccine-appointment-here-are-some-tips/2506408/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In addition, Telegram offers functions for making payments directly within the platform, alongside an external service such as [[Company:Stripe|Stripe]].

== Business ==

The company was initially supported by its CEO's personal funds after the sale of his stake in VK. In January 2018, it launched a private placement and collected $1.7 billion from investors such as Kleiner Perkins, Sequoia Capital and Benchmark.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Chloe |last1=Cornish |first2=Richard |last2=Waters |title=Silicon Valley investors line up to back Telegram ICO |url=https://www.ft.com/content/790d9506-0175-11e8-9650-9c0ad2d7c5b5 |website=Financial Times |date=25 January 2018 |access-date=28 September 2021 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=28 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928082709/https://www.ft.com/content/790d9506-0175-11e8-9650-9c0ad2d7c5b5 |url-status=live }}</ref> After the shutdown of the [[Software:Telegram Open Network|TON]] project, the company needed to repay the investors the money that was not spent on its development during 2018 and the beginning of 2019, while the project was active.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schechner |first=Sam |date=2021-03-15 |title=Telegram App Is Booming but Needs Advertisers—and $700 Million Soon |language=en-US |work={{wipe|The Wall Street Journal}} |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/telegram-app-is-booming-but-needs-advertisersand-700-million-soon-11615806001 |access-date=2021-03-16 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=16 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316153024/https://www.wsj.com/articles/telegram-app-is-booming-but-needs-advertisersand-700-million-soon-11615806001 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 15 March 2021, Telegram conducted a five-year public bonds placement worth $1 billion. The funding was required to cover the debts amounting to $625.7 million, including $433 million to investors who bought futures for Gram tokens in 2018 and included purchasers such as David Yakobashvili.<ref name="Telegram разместил бонды на $1 млрд">{{cite web |url=https://www.rbc.ru/finances/15/03/2021/604f11019a794780341309c9 |title=Telegram разместил бонды на $1 млрд. На каких условиях инвесторы рискнули вложиться во внебиржевые бумаги |author1=Павел Казарновский|author2=Владислав Скобелев|author3=Анна Балашова |date=15 March 2021 |publisher=RBC |access-date=15 March 2021 |archive-date=15 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315144542/https://www.rbc.ru/finances/15/03/2021/604f11019a794780341309c9 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 23 March, Telegram also sold additional bonds worth $150 million to the Abu Dhabi Mubadala Investment Company and Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners.<ref name="TC On Bonds">{{cite web|author=Natasha Lomas|date=23 March 2021|title=Telegram raises $150M from Mubadala and Abu Dhabi CP via pre-IPO convertible bonds|url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/03/23/telegram-raises-150m-from-mubadala-and-abu-dhabi-cp-via-pre-ipo-convertible-bonds/|access-date=23 March 2021|publisher=TechCrunch|archive-date=23 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323132059/https://techcrunch.com/2021/03/23/telegram-raises-150m-from-mubadala-and-abu-dhabi-cp-via-pre-ipo-convertible-bonds/|url-status=live}}</ref> A day later, the Mubadala Investment Company stated that Russia's sovereign wealth fund participated in its deal undisclosed through the Russia-UAE joint investment platform to buy convertible bonds. A Telegram spokesperson stated: "RDIF is not in the list of investors we sold bonds to. We wouldn't be open to any transaction with this fund" and "[t]he funds that did invest, including Mubadala, confirmed to us that RDIF was not among their LPs [''limited partners'']."<ref>{{cite web|author=Jake Rudnitsky, Zainab Fattah|date=23 March 2021|title=Mubadala Says It Brought RDIF Into Telegram Bond Stake|url=https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/russia-mubadala-invest-in-telegram-after-kremlin-ban-failed|access-date=3 April 2021|publisher=Bloomberg|archive-date=25 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325050817/https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/russia-mubadala-invest-in-telegram-after-kremlin-ban-failed|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the contract, the holders of the bonds will be provided with an option to convert them to shares at a 10% discount if the company conducts an open IPO.<ref name="Schechner" /> The company's CEO has stated that the move aimed to "enable Telegram to continue growing globally while sticking to its values and remaining independent". According to press reports, prior to the bonds placement, Durov had rejected an investment offer for a 5–10% stake in the company as well as several undisclosed ones, valuing the company in a $30–40 billion range.<ref name="TC On Bonds" />

=== Advertising and monetization ===

Telegram has stated that the company will never serve advertisements in private chats.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dollarsandsense.sg/how-whatsapp-telegram-snapchat-make-money-why-you-should-care/ |title=How Does WhatsApp, Telegram And Snapchat Make Money? (And Why You Should Care) |author=Tao Ming Hui |date=16 November 2017 |publisher=Dollars and Sense |access-date=10 March 2021 |archive-date=13 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913105808/http://dollarsandsense.sg/how-whatsapp-telegram-snapchat-make-money-why-you-should-care/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In late 2020, Durov announced that the company was working on its own ad platform, and would integrate non-targeted ads in public one-to-many channels, that already were selling and displaying ads in the form of regular messages.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://social.techcrunch.com/2020/12/23/telegram-to-launch-an-ad-platform-as-it-approaches-500-million-users/|title=Telegram, nearing 500 million users, to begin monetizing the app|date=23 December 2020 |access-date=20 January 2021|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627152101/https://techcrunch.com/2020/12/23/telegram-to-launch-an-ad-platform-as-it-approaches-500-million-users/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ads from Telegram's "Sponsored Messages" platform began to appear in channels with more than 1000 followers in October 2021.

In late 2020, Durov announced that Telegram will consider adding paid features aimed at enterprise clients. According to him, these features will require more bandwidth and the added cost will be covered by the feature prices, in addition to covering some of the costs incurred by regular users.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/news/telegram-private-messaging-app-500-million-users-premium-subscription-2021-pavel-durov-2342668|title= Telegram to Launch Paid Features for Business and Power Users in 2021 |date=23 December 2020 |access-date=31 May 2021}}</ref>
====Pay per view bots====
In 2022, Telegram canceled a bot monetization upgrade program, because Apple demanded a cut.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://gizmodo.com/telegram-apps-pay-to-view-1849723501 | title=Telegram Obliterates Pay-to-View Bots After Apple Demands a Cut | date=31 October 2022 }}</ref>

=== Telegram Open Network ===
{{Main|Software:The Open Network}}

In 2017, in an attempt to monetize Telegram without advertising, the company began the development of a [[Finance:Blockchain|blockchain]] platform dubbed either "The Open Network" or "[[Software:Telegram Open Network|Telegram Open Network]]" (TON) and its native [[Finance:Cryptocurrency|cryptocurrency]] "Gram". The project was announced in mid-December 2017<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bloombergquint.com/technology/cryptic-russian-crusader-says-his-5-billion-app-can-t-be-bought |title=This $5 Billion Encrypted App Isn't for Sale at Any Price |author1=Stepan Kravchenko|author2=((Nour Al Ali))|author3=Ilya Khrennikov |date=11 December 2017 |publisher=Bloomberg |access-date=8 March 2021 |archive-date=27 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627152101/https://www.bloombergquint.com/technology/cryptic-russian-crusader-says-his-5-billion-app-can-t-be-bought |url-status=live }}</ref> and its 132-page technical paper became available in January 2018.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ucUeKg_NiR8RxNAonb8Q55jZha03WC0O/view|title=TON.pdf|website=Google Docs|access-date=5 May 2018|archive-date=27 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827165521/https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ucUeKg_NiR8RxNAonb8Q55jZha03WC0O/view|url-status=live}}</ref> The codebase behind TON was developed by Pavel Durov's brother Nikolai Durov, the core developer of Telegram's MTProto protocol.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://coinpost.media/f/telegram-ton/ |title=Telegram TON (Telegram Open Network) |publisher=Coinpost |access-date=23 March 2021 |archive-date=3 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303112734/https://coinpost.media/f/telegram-ton/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2018 a 23-page white paper<ref name="auto1"/> and a detailed 132-page technical paper<ref name="auto1"/> for TON blockchain became available.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/telegram-privacy-focused-user-could-180800518.html |title=Telegram's Privacy-Focused User Base Could Become TON Blockchain's Killer App |author=10 January 2018 |date=10 January 2018 |publisher=Bitcoin Magazine |access-date=23 March 2021 |archive-date=27 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627152102/https://sports.yahoo.com/telegram-privacy-focused-user-could-180800518.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Durov planned to power TON with the existing Telegram user base, and turn it into the largest blockchain and a platform for apps and services akin to a decentralized [[Software:WeChat|WeChat]], [[Software:Google Play|Google Play]], and App Store.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/01/08/telegram-open-network/ |title=Telegram plans multi-billion dollar ICO for chat cryptocurrency |author=Mike Butcher, Josh Konstine |date=8 January 2018 |publisher=TechCrunch |access-date=4 April 2020 |archive-date=23 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123181319/https://techcrunch.com/2018/01/08/telegram-open-network/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/01/15/inside-telegrams-ambitious-1-2b-ico-to-create-the-next-ethereum/ |title=Inside Telegram's ambitious $1.2B ICO to create the next Ethereum |author=Jon Russel |date=15 January 2018 |publisher=TechCrunch |access-date=4 April 2020 |archive-date=3 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403222412/https://techcrunch.com/2018/01/15/inside-telegrams-ambitious-1-2b-ico-to-create-the-next-ethereum/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Besides, the TON had the potential to become a decentralized alternative to [[Company:Visa Inc.|Visa]] and MasterCard due to its ability to scale and support millions of transactions per second.<ref name=binance>{{cite web |url=https://research.binance.com/en/analysis/telegram-open-network |title=Exploring Telegram Open Network |date=27 September 2019 |publisher=Binance Research |access-date=4 April 2020 |archive-date=22 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622065136/https://research.binance.com/en/analysis/telegram-open-network |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=rbth>{{cite web |url=https://www.rbth.com/science-and-tech/331547-durov-vk-telegram-russia-networks |title=Telegram's Pavel Durov in court over his quest to revolutionize cryptocurrency |author=Josh Nadeau |date=15 January 2020 |publisher=Russia Beyond The Headlines |access-date=4 April 2020 |archive-date=28 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228030201/https://www.rbth.com/science-and-tech/331547-durov-vk-telegram-russia-networks |url-status=live }}</ref> In January and February 2018 the company ran a private sale of futures contracts for Grams,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://thenextweb.com/hardfork/2018/01/09/telegram-ico-white-paper-leak|title=Here is the leaked white paper for the massive Telegram ICO|last=Mix|work=HardFork|access-date=6 April 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109043158/https://thenextweb.com/hardfork/2018/01/09/telegram-ico-white-paper-leak/|url-status=live}}</ref> raising around $1.7 billion.<ref name="cnews">{{cite web|url=http://www.cnews.ru/news/top/2018-04-02_pri_kakih_usloviyah_telegram_vernet_investoram|title=Under what conditions will Telegram return to investors the collected $ 2.55 billion|last1=Korolev|first1=Igor|date=2 April 2018|website=CNews|language=ru|access-date=12 October 2018|archive-date=23 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123182731/https://www.cnews.ru/news/top/2018-04-02_pri_kakih_usloviyah_telegram_vernet_investoram|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="verge">{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/1/17186004/telegram-presale-open-network-app-ico-cryptocurrency-ton|title=Telegram has raised a total of $1.7 billion from its two pre-ICO sales|last1=Liptak|first1=Andrew|date=1 April 2018|website=The Verge|access-date=12 October 2018|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109011226/https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/1/17186004/telegram-presale-open-network-app-ico-cryptocurrency-ton|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="shen1">{{cite news|url=http://fortune.com/2018/03/30/bitcoin-price-telegram-ico-presale/|title=Even as Bitcoin Languishes, Telegram Raises $1.7 Billion Ahead of Largest ICO Ever|last1=Shen|first1=Lucinda|date=31 March 2018|access-date=31 March 2018|publisher=Fortune|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109032339/https://fortune.com/2018/03/30/bitcoin-price-telegram-ico-presale/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.crowdfundinsider.com/2018/04/131248-telegram-files-new-form-d-with-sec-indicating-1-7-billion-will-be-raised/|title=Telegram Files New Form D with SEC Indicating $1.7 Billion will be Raised {{!}} Crowdfund Insider|date=2 April 2018|work=Crowdfund Insider|access-date=6 April 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030112035/https://www.crowdfundinsider.com/2018/04/131248-telegram-files-new-form-d-with-sec-indicating-1-7-billion-will-be-raised/|url-status=live}}</ref> No public [[Finance:Initial coin offering|offering]] took place.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/telegram-messaging-app-scraps-plans-for-public-coin-offering-1525281933?ns=prod/accounts-wsj|title=Telegram Messaging App Scraps Plans for Public Coin Offering|last=Vigna|first=Paul|date=2 May 2018|work={{wipe|The Wall Street Journal}}|access-date=11 November 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=12 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112021355/https://www.wsj.com/articles/telegram-messaging-app-scraps-plans-for-public-coin-offering-1525281933?ns=prod%2Faccounts-wsj|url-status=live}}</ref>

The development of TON took place in a completely isolated manner, and the release was postponed several times.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://research.binance.com/en/analysis/telegram-open-network |title=Exploring Telegram Open Network |date=27 September 2019 |publisher=Binance Research |access-date=17 March 2021 |archive-date=30 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130090121/https://research.binance.com/en/analysis/telegram-open-network |url-status=live }}</ref> The test network was launched in January 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thebell.io/en/despite-delay-durov-on-track-to-launch-his-cryptocurrency-in-march/ |title=Despite delay, Durov on track to launch his cryptocurrency in March |date=23 January 2019 |publisher=The Bell |access-date=17 March 2021 |archive-date=13 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213105104/https://thebell.io/en/despite-delay-durov-on-track-to-launch-his-cryptocurrency-in-march/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The launch of the TON main network was scheduled for 31 October.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/27/20835987/telegram-gram-cryptocurrency-coin-october-31-deadline-ico |title=Telegram will launch its Gram cryptocurrency by October 31 or bust |author=Sean Hollister |date=27 August 2019 |publisher=The Verge |access-date=21 March 2021 |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108003953/https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/27/20835987/telegram-gram-cryptocurrency-coin-october-31-deadline-ico |url-status=live }}</ref> On October 30, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission obtained a temporary restrictive order to prevent the distribution of Grams to initial purchasers; the regulator considered the legal scheme employed by Telegram as an unregistered securities offering with initial buyers acting as underwriters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/-/media/files/nrf/nrfweb/knowledge-pdfs/a-telegram-to-safts-beware.pdf |title=Blockchain law. A "Telegram" to SAFTs: "Beware!" |author=Robert A. Schwinger |date=26 May 2020 |publisher=New York Law Journal |access-date=15 March 2021 |archive-date=27 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627152102/https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/-/media/files/nrf/nrfweb/knowledge-pdfs/a-telegram-to-safts-beware.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

The judge hearing the ''Telegram v. SEC case'', P. Kevin Castel, ultimately agreed with the SEC's argument<ref>{{cite web|title=Cooley|url=https://www.cooley.com/news/insight/2020/2020-05-07-sec-v-telegram-key-takeaways-implications|website=www.cooley.com|access-date=13 May 2020|archive-date=24 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824212924/https://www.cooley.com/news/insight/2020/2020-05-07-sec-v-telegram-key-takeaways-implications|url-status=live}}</ref> and kept the restrictions on Gram distribution in force. The ban applied to non-U.S.-based purchasers as well, because Telegram could not prevent the re-sale of Grams to U.S. citizens on a secondary market, as the anonymity of users was one of the key features of TON.<ref name=JDSUPRA>{{cite web |url=https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/is-there-life-for-safts-after-the-54728/ |title=Is There Life for SAFTs After the Telegram Case? |date=21 July 2020 |publisher=JD Supra |access-date=10 March 2021 |archive-date=7 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907174839/https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/is-there-life-for-safts-after-the-54728/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=GreenbergTraurig>{{cite web |url=https://www.gtlaw.com/en/insights/2020/4/sec-v-telegram--a-groundbreaking-decision-in-cryptocurrency-enforcement |title=SEC v. Telegram: A Groundbreaking Decision in Cryptocurrency Enforcement? |author=David I. Miller, Charlie Berk |date=2020-04-01 |publisher=Greenberg Traurig |access-date=10 March 2021 |archive-date=17 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117023653/https://www.gtlaw.com/en/insights/2020/4/sec-v-telegram--a-groundbreaking-decision-in-cryptocurrency-enforcement |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=NYLAW>{{cite web |url=https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/-/media/files/nrf/nrfweb/knowledge-pdfs/a-telegram-to-safts-beware.pdf |title=Blockchain law. A "Telegram" to SAFTs: "Beware!" |author=Robert A. Schwinger |date=26 May 2020 |publisher=New York Law Journal |access-date=10 March 2021 |archive-date=27 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627152102/https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/-/media/files/nrf/nrfweb/knowledge-pdfs/a-telegram-to-safts-beware.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Following that, Durov announced the end of Telegram's active involvement with TON. On 26 June, the judge approved the settlement between Telegram and SEC. The company agreed to pay an $18.5 million penalty and return $1.22 billion to Gram purchasers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Telegram to pay SEC fine of $18.5 million and return $1.2 billion to investors as it dissolves TON |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/06/26/telegram-to-pay-sec-fine-of-18-5-million-and-return-1-2-billion-to-investors-as-it-dissolves-ton/ |access-date=28 June 2020 |publisher=Techcrunch |date=26 June 2020 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627223615/https://techcrunch.com/2020/06/26/telegram-to-pay-sec-fine-of-18-5-million-and-return-1-2-billion-to-investors-as-it-dissolves-ton/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In March 2021, Telegram launched a bonds offering to cover the debt and fund further growth of the app.<ref name="Telegram разместил бонды на $1 млрд" /><ref name="Schechner">{{Cite news|last=Schechner|first=Sam|date=2021-03-15|title=Telegram App Is Booming but Needs Advertisers—and $700 Million Soon|language=en-US|work={{wipe|The Wall Street Journal}}|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/telegram-app-is-booming-but-needs-advertisersand-700-million-soon-11615806001|access-date=2021-03-16|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=16 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316153024/https://www.wsj.com/articles/telegram-app-is-booming-but-needs-advertisersand-700-million-soon-11615806001|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Criticism ==

Telegram has been used for spreading hate messages and illegal activities such as, illegal pornography, contact between criminals and trading of illegal goods and services such as drugs and stolen personal data.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Commentary: Illicit Telegram chat groups expose a growing cyber threat|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/illicit-telegram-chat-groups-sg-nasi-lemak-sam-collection-porn-12074920|access-date=2021-03-15|website=CNA|language=en|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627152104/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/illicit-telegram-chat-groups-sg-nasi-lemak-sam-collection-porn-12074920|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|agency=Press Trust of India|date=2019-11-25|title=Telegram app a safe haven for cyber criminals: Ker police to|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/telegram-app-a-safe-haven-for-cyber-criminals-ker-police-to-119112501344_1.html|access-date=2021-03-15|archive-date=27 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527034117/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/telegram-app-a-safe-haven-for-cyber-criminals-ker-police-to-119112501344_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Clark|first=Mitchell|date=2021-01-25|title=Facebook users' phone numbers are for sale through a Telegram bot|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/25/22249571/facebook-phone-number-hack-telegram-bot|access-date=2021-03-15|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126113721/https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/25/22249571/facebook-phone-number-hack-telegram-bot|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=Cook|first1=James|last2=Field|first2=Matthew|date=2018-06-05|title=Telegram: The rise of the messaging app branded a 'home to criminals'|language=en-GB|work=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/0/telegram-rise-messaging-app-branded-home-criminals/|access-date=2021-03-15|issn=0307-1235|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227231546/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/0/telegram-rise-messaging-app-branded-home-criminals/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany shuts down Telegram-based drugs marketplaces|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/germany-shuts-telegram-based-drugs-marketplaces-73922471|access-date=2021-03-15|website=ABC News|language=en|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129203425/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/germany-shuts-telegram-based-drugs-marketplaces-73922471|url-status=live}}</ref> According to ''Wired'', Telegram "exercises virtually no content moderation, except to take down illegal pornography and calls for violence".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Loucaides |first=Darren |date=2022-02-08 |title=How Telegram Became the Anti-Facebook |magazine=Wired |url=https://www.wired.com/story/how-telegram-became-anti-facebook/ |access-date=2022-03-28}}</ref>

===IRGC===
In Iraq and Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has used groups and channels for [[Doxing|doxing]] citizens and warmongering propaganda.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/mahsa-amini-iran-protests-authorities-accused-telegram-snitch-line-track-protesters | title='Snitch line': Activists accuse Iranian authorities of using Telegram to track protestors }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/04/middleeast/iran-saudi-cartoons-quran-mime-intl/index.html | title=Cartoons and Quranic verses form the latest Saudi-Iran battleground | website=CNN | date=4 November 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cjr.org/the_feature/iraqi-journalists-watch-telegram-telegram-is-watching-them-back.php | title=Iraqi journalists watch Telegram. Telegram is watching them back }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://blog.checkpoint.com/2022/09/28/hacker-groups-take-to-telegram-signal-and-darkweb-to-assist-protestors-in-iran/ | title=Hacker Groups take to Telegram, Signal and Darkweb to assist Protestors in Iran | date=28 September 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/saudi-arabia/2022/11/03/Iran-state-linked-Telegram-channel-posts-video-of-simulated-attack-on-Saudi-Arabia | title=Iran state-linked Telegram channel posts video of simulated attack on Saudi Arabia | date=3 November 2022 }}</ref>

=== ISIS ===

In September 2015, in response to a question about the use of Telegram by [[Religion:Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] (ISIS), Pavel Durov stated: "I think that privacy, ultimately, and our right for privacy is more important than our fear of bad things happening, like [[Social:Terrorism|terrorism]]."<ref>{{cite web|title = Telegram Now Seeing 12BN Daily Messages, Up From 1BN In February|url = https://techcrunch.com/2015/09/21/telegram-now-seeing-12bn-daily-messages-up-from-1m-in-february/|website = TechCrunch|access-date = 19 November 2015|first = Natasha|last = Lomas| date=21 September 2015 |archive-date = 27 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151127133011/http://techcrunch.com/2015/09/21/telegram-now-seeing-12bn-daily-messages-up-from-1m-in-february/|url-status = live}}</ref> Durov sarcastically suggested to ban words because terrorists use them for communication.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vesti.ru/doc.html?id=2687387|title=Дуров о запрете на Telegram: предлагаю запретить слова, с помощью них общаются террористы|website=vesti.ru|language=ru|access-date=24 April 2018|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502055024/https://www.vesti.ru/doc.html?id=2687387|url-status=live}}</ref> ISIS recommended Telegram to its supporters and members<ref name=":1">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/01/europe/france-church-attack-telegram/index.html|title=Killers of French priest met 4 days before attack|first1=Margot|last1=Haddad|first2=Tim|last2=Hume|publisher=cnn.com|access-date=24 September 2016|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512224348/https://www.cnn.com/2016/08/01/europe/france-church-attack-telegram/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://tjournal.ru/p/telegram-jihadi |title=Павел Дуров прокомментировал для CNN историю с подготовкой теракта через Telegram |website=TJournal.ru |first=Gennady |last=Zavolokyn |date=4 October 2015 |language=ru |access-date=20 October 2015 |archive-date=12 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312152814/https://tjournal.ru/p/telegram-jihadi |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.csoonline.com/article/3004648/security-awareness/after-paris-isis-moves-propaganda-machine-to-darknet.html|title=After Paris, ISIS moves propaganda machine to Darknet|author=Steve Ragan|date=16 November 2015|work=CSO Online|access-date=16 November 2015|archive-date=17 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117092304/http://www.csoonline.com/article/3004648/security-awareness/after-paris-isis-moves-propaganda-machine-to-darknet.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and in October 2015 they were able to double the number of followers of their official channel to 9,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/isis-telegram-channel-doubles-followers-172356843.html|title=Isis Telegram channel doubles followers to 9,000 in less than 1 week|date=12 October 2015|work=Yahoo News|access-date=17 November 2015|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305134409/https://news.yahoo.com/isis-telegram-channel-doubles-followers-172356843.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2015, Telegram announced that it had blocked 78 public channels operated by ISIS for spreading its propaganda and mass communication.<ref>{{cite web|title = Encrypted messaging app Telegram shuts down Islamic State propaganda channels|url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/12004892/Encrypted-messaging-app-Telegram-shuts-down-Islamic-State-propaganda-channels.html|website = Telegraph.co.uk| date=19 November 2015 |access-date = 19 November 2015|archive-date = 12 May 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190512224337/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/12004892/Encrypted-messaging-app-Telegram-shuts-down-Islamic-State-propaganda-channels.html|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = One app maker has shut down almost 80 secret channels used by ISIS to communicate|url = http://www.businessinsider.com/telegram-blocks-isis-channels-2015-11|website = Business Insider|access-date = 19 November 2015|archive-date = 12 May 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190512224348/https://www.businessinsider.com/telegram-blocks-isis-channels-2015-11|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/telegram-knew-isis-communicate-paris-pavel-durov-a6742126.html|title=Telegram founder knew Isis used the app to communicate before Paris attacks|date=20 November 2015|work=The Independent|access-date=24 April 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512225838/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/telegram-knew-isis-communicate-paris-pavel-durov-a6742126.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Telegram stated that it would block public channels and bots that are related to terrorism, but it would not honor "politically-motivated censorship" based on "local restrictions on freedom of speech" and that it allowed "peaceful expression of alternative opinions."<ref>{{cite web|title = Secretive messaging app used by IS takes down posts|url = https://www.cnbc.com/2015/11/19/telegram-the-messaging-app-used-by-isis-takes-down-78-posts.html|website = CNBC|date = 19 November 2015|access-date = 19 November 2015|archive-date = 3 May 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190503205648/https://www.cnbc.com/2015/11/19/telegram-the-messaging-app-used-by-isis-takes-down-78-posts.html|url-status = live}}</ref> ISIS's usage of Telegram reignited the encryption debate and encrypted messaging applications faced new scrutiny.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Encrypted Messaging Apps Face New Scrutiny Over Possible Role in Paris Attacks|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/17/world/europe/encrypted-messaging-apps-face-new-scrutiny-over-possible-role-in-paris-attacks.html|newspaper = {{wipe|The New York Times}}|date = 16 November 2015|access-date = 19 November 2015|first1 = David|last1 = Sanger|first2 = Nicole|last2 = Perlroth|archive-date = 19 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151119005829/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/17/world/europe/encrypted-messaging-apps-face-new-scrutiny-over-possible-role-in-paris-attacks.html|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Foges|first1=Clare|title=Why is Silicon Valley helping the tech-savvy jihadists?|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/12008689/Why-is-Silicon-Valley-helping-the-tech-savvy-jihadists.html|website=The Telegraph|date=21 November 2015 |access-date=9 December 2015|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512224336/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/12008689/Why-is-Silicon-Valley-helping-the-tech-savvy-jihadists.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2016, {{wipe|France}} anti-terrorism investigators asserted that the two ISIS-directed terrorists who murdered a priest in Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray in [[Place:Normandy|Normandy]], France, and videoed the murder, had communicated via Telegram and "used the app to coordinate their plans for the attack". ISIS's media wing subsequently posted a video on Telegram, showing the pair pledging allegiance. A CNN news report stated that Telegram had "become known as a preferred means of communication for the terror group ISIS and was used by the ISIS cell that plotted the Paris terror attacks in November" after the attacks.<ref name=":1" /> ''Daily Mirror'' called Telegram a "[[Religion:Jihadism|jihadi]] messaging app".<ref>{{cite news |last=Campbell |first=Scott |date=26 July 2016 |title=ISIS warn London 'next to be attacked' as UK churches put on terror alert after French priest murder |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/isis-warn-london-next-attacked-8500399 |newspaper=Daily Mirror |quote=Images threatening attacks in London and other major world capitals have been posted on jihadi messaging app Telegram |access-date=15 December 2016 |archive-date=12 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512224341/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/isis-warn-london-next-attacked-8500399 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In June 2017, the Russian communications regulator [[Social:Roskomnadzor|Roskomnadzor]] hinted at the possibility of a blocking of Telegram in Russia due to its usage by terrorists.<ref>(in Russian) {{cite web|last1=Martynov|first1=Kirill|title=Занять Телеграм|url=https://www.novayagazeta.ru/articles/2017/06/24/72903-zanyat-telegram|website=Novaya Gazeta|access-date=26 June 2017|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512225229/https://www.novayagazeta.ru/articles/2017/06/24/72903-zanyat-telegram|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2017, Director General of Application and Informatics of the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan, said eleven Telegram DNS servers were blocked because many channels in the service "promoted radicalism, terrorism, hatred, bomb assembly, civil attack, disturbing images, and other propaganda contrary to Indonesian laws and regulations."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Widiartanto|first1=Yoga Hastyadi|title=Ini Alasan Pemerintah Blokir Telegram|trans-title=This is the Reason Why the Government Blocks Telegram|url=http://tekno.kompas.com/read/2017/07/14/20495927/ini-alasan-resmi-pemerintah-blokir-telegram|access-date=15 July 2017|work=Kompas|date=14 July 2017|language=id|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512225240/https://tekno.kompas.com/read/2017/07/14/20495927/ini-alasan-resmi-pemerintah-blokir-telegram|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2017, Indonesia lifted the block after countermeasures against negative content were deployed in association with Telegram LLP.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indonesian government lifts ban on messaging service Telegram|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/indonesian-government-lifts-ban-on-messaging-service-telegram|website=The Straits Times|publisher=SPH Digital News|date=11 August 2017|access-date=30 December 2017|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512225245/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/indonesian-government-lifts-ban-on-messaging-service-telegram|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2019, Telegram participated in Europol's Internet Referral Action Day.<ref name="europol.europa.eu">{{cite web|url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/newsroom/news/europol-and-telegram-take-terrorist-propaganda-online|title=Europol and Telegram take on terrorist propaganda online|website=Europol|language=en|access-date=5 December 2019|archive-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107042901/https://www.europol.europa.eu/newsroom/news/europol-and-telegram-take-terrorist-propaganda-online|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, Telegram expanded and strengthened its terrorist content detection and removal efforts. Over 43,000 terrorist-related bots and channels were removed from Telegram. According to U.S. officials, the crackdown on Telegram was especially effective and seemed to be having lasting impact.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/europe/struggles-regain-social-media-footing-after-europe-crackdown|title=IS Struggles to Regain Social Media Footing After Europe Crackdown|website=Voice of America|date=4 December 2019 |language=en|access-date=5 December 2019|archive-date=8 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808102410/https://www.voanews.com/europe/struggles-regain-social-media-footing-after-europe-crackdown|url-status=live}}</ref> According to Europol, Telegram put considerable effort into removing abusers of its platform.<ref name="europol.europa.eu"/>

=== Far-right groups ===

The Anti-Defamation League has called Telegram a white supremacist "safe haven" and a valuable tool for right-wing extremists.<ref name=":8" /> Miro Dittrich, a senior researcher for the Center for Monitoring, Analysis and Strategy (CeMAS), a German extremism monitoring agency, said: "Telegram has been critical for the far-right scene in Germany ever since the Identitarian movement migrated there in 2018, having been kicked off [[Company:Facebook|Facebook]] and [[Software:Instagram|Instagram]]."<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Schumacher |first=Elizabeth |date=February 8, 2022 |title=Disclose.TV: English disinformation made in Germany |url=https://www.dw.com/en/disclosetv-english-disinformation-made-in-germany/a-60694332 |access-date=2022-10-26 |website=Deutsche Welle |language=en}}</ref>

The neo-Nazi white separatist paramilitary hate group ''The Base'' switched to Telegram after being blocked on most social media platforms, including Twitter, YouTube and Gab. After a number of arrests of ''The Base'' members in January 2020, a note appeared on its official Telegram account warning people to stop posting.<ref name=":7">{{cite news |author=Adam Goldman |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/22/us/white-supremacy-the-base.html |title=A New Face of White Supremacy: Plots Expose Danger of the 'Base' |work=The New York Times |date=22 January 2020 |access-date=2020-05-19 |archive-date=2 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202053832/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/22/us/white-supremacy-the-base.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2019, white supremacist Christopher Cantwell posted anti-Semitic comments on Telegram.<ref>{{cite web |author=April Glaser |url=https://slate.com/technology/2019/08/telegram-white-nationalists-el-paso-shooting-facebook.html |title=Telegram is the latest app for white nationalists |work=Slate.com |date=8 August 2019 |access-date=2020-05-19 |archive-date=6 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206225541/https://slate.com/technology/2019/08/telegram-white-nationalists-el-paso-shooting-facebook.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Anti-Defamation League notes that Telegram was founded by the same two Russian brothers who founded [[Company:VK (service)|VKontakte (VK)]], which is known for its lack of moderation when it comes to white supremacy. While Telegram's terms of service prohibit the promotion of violence, they have allowed livestreams of the Christchurch mosque shootings, 2022 Buffalo shooting and the Halle synagogue shooting, all of which were livestreamed by their perpetrators, although other social media platforms had removed them. The League also points to the RapeWaffen Division channel, which openly advocates rape and murder as part of a race war.<ref name=":8">{{cite web |date=2 December 2019 |title=Telegram: The Latest Safe Haven for White Supremacists |url=https://www.adl.org/blog/telegram-the-latest-safe-haven-for-white-supremacists |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117191415/https://www.adl.org/blog/telegram-the-latest-safe-haven-for-white-supremacists |archive-date=17 November 2020 |access-date=11 March 2020 |website=Anti-Defamation League}}</ref>

Telegram has also been used by the alt-right organization [[Organization:Proud Boys|Proud Boys]] to coordinate throughout the United States.<ref>{{cite web|website={{wipe|The New York Times}}|title=Proud Boys celebrate Trump's 'stand by' remark about them at the debate|date=29 September 2020|access-date=11 October 2020|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/29/us/trump-proud-boys-biden.html|archive-date=9 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209052024/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/29/us/trump-proud-boys-biden.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the United Kingdom, Telegram is one of the main platforms for far-right publication TR.news, maintained by Tommy Robinson, and Britain First, whose pages were blocked by major social media platforms.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Rogers |first1=Richard |title=Deplatforming: Following extreme Internet celebrities to Telegram and alternative social media |journal=European Journal of Communication |date=June 2020 |volume=35 |issue=3 |pages=213–229 |doi=10.1177/0267323120922066 |s2cid=218914493 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Weblinks related to these channels received more views on Telegram in 2018 and 2019 than some well-known mainstream news outlets, including ''{{wipe|The Guardian}}'' or the ''Daily Mail''.<ref name="comprop.oii.ox.ac.uk">{{cite web|website=The Computational Propaganda Project|title=Junk News Distribution on Telegram: The Visibility of English-language News Sources on Public Telegram Channels|date=20 July 2020|access-date=1 November 2020|url=https://comprop.oii.ox.ac.uk/research/posts/junk-news-distribution-on-telegram-the-visibility-of-english-language-news-sources-on-public-telegram-channels/|archive-date=3 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203103647/https://comprop.oii.ox.ac.uk/research/posts/junk-news-distribution-on-telegram-the-visibility-of-english-language-news-sources-on-public-telegram-channels/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, with a relatively small user base and no algorithmic timeline, such groups struggle to build a larger audience on Telegram.<ref name="comprop.oii.ox.ac.uk"/>

In January 2021, Telegram said that it blocked "hundreds" of neo-Nazi and white supremacist channels with tens of thousands of followers for inciting violence.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/01/13/telegram-channels-banned-violent-threats-capitol|title=Telegram blocks 'dozens' of hardcore hate channels threatening violence|date=13 January 2021|website=TechCrunch|access-date=14 January 2021|archive-date=14 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114042001/https://techcrunch.com/2021/01/13/telegram-channels-banned-violent-threats-capitol/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/telegram-capitol-riots-violence-messaging-apps-b1789603.html|title=Telegram says it has had to remove 'hundreds' of public calls for violence in wake of Capitol riots|date=20 January 2021|website=The Independent|access-date=21 January 2021|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121021443/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/telegram-capitol-riots-violence-messaging-apps-b1789603.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A 2021 Institute for Strategic Dialogue report on the far-right in Ireland found that messages from Irish far-right groups on the app increased from a total of 801 in 2019 to over 60,000 in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lanigan|first=Michael|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/93yw4p/telegram-is-the-far-rights-weapon-of-choice-in-ireland|title=Telegram Is the Far-Right's Weapon of Choice in Ireland|date=2021-04-30|website=Vice|access-date=2 May 2021|archive-date=2 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502124822/https://www.vice.com/en/article/93yw4p/telegram-is-the-far-rights-weapon-of-choice-in-ireland|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 27 August 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives select committee investigating the 2021 United States Capitol attack demanded records from Telegram (alongside 14 other social media companies) going back to the spring of 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Breuninger|first1=Kevin|last2=Wilkie|first2=Christina|date=2021-08-27|title=Congressional panel investigating Jan. 6 insurrection demands records from Facebook, Twitter, other tech firms|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/27/congressional-committee-investigating-jan-6-insurrection-demands-records-from-facebook-twitter-and-other-tech-giants.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-30|website=CNBC|language=en|archive-date=7 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907125446/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/27/congressional-committee-investigating-jan-6-insurrection-demands-records-from-facebook-twitter-and-other-tech-giants.html}}</ref>

In January 2022, the British anti-[[Social:Disinformation|disinformation]] organization Logically reported that [[Unsolved:Holocaust denial|Holocaust denial]], [[Social:Neo-Nazism|neo-Nazism]] and other forms of [[Social:Hate speech|hate speech]] were flourishing on the [[Software:Discord|Discord]] and Telegram groups of the German website Disclose.tv.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last1=Thomas |first1=W. F. |last2=Piper |first2=Ernie |date=12 January 2022 |title=Disclose.tv: Conspiracy Forum Turned Disinformation Factory |url=https://www.logically.ai/articles/disclose.tv-conspiracy-forum-turned-disinformation-factory |access-date=2022-10-26 |website=Logically |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":13" />

On 26 April 2023, Telegram was temporarily suspended throughout Brazil, and the company was fined {{BRLConvert|1|m|year=2023|force=yes}} daily for not complying with a Federal Police investigation into neo-Nazi activities on the platform. The company only partially fulfilled a court request for personal data on two anti-Semitic Telegram groups, which authorities considered an intentional lack of cooperation. The decision was made after a series of violent school attacks, with at least one incident being linked to exchanges on an anti-Semitic group.<ref>{{cite news |title=Brazil court suspends Telegram app in neo-Nazi probe |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230426-brazil-court-suspends-telegram-app-in-neo-nazi-probe |access-date=27 April 2023 |work=France 24 |agency=Agen ce France-Presse |date=26 April 2023 |location=Rio de Janeiro}}</ref> The Telegram CEO then said that the requested data was technologically impossible to obtain.<ref>{{cite news |title=Telegram CEO claims complying with Brazil order impossible |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/04/27/telegram-brazil-block/2ec1c1de-e554-11ed-9696-8e874fd710b8_story.html |access-date=10 May 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=27 April 2023}}</ref> A federal court lifted the suspension three days later, but upheld the daily fine.<ref>{{cite news |title=Telegram app back on in Brazil after judge lifts suspension |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/ap/ap-technology/telegram-app-back-on-in-brazil-after-judge-lifts-suspension/ |access-date=30 April 2023 |work=The Hill |agency=Associated Press |date=29 April 2023}}</ref> Twelve days later, Telegram told its users that the Brazilian Congressional Bill No. 2630 against online disinformation, which was about to be approved, would end [[Philosophy:Freedom of speech|freedom of speech]] in the country.<ref>{{cite news |title=Telegram calls Brazil disinformation law 'attack on democracy' |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230509-telegram-calls-brazil-disinformation-law-attack-on-democracy |access-date=10 May 2023 |work=France 24 |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=9 May 2023}}</ref>

=== Child and teenage pornography ===

The app has been used for distribution of pornographic material, including child and teenage pornography.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mashable.com/article/nudes-revenge-porn-crime-telegram/|title=Telegram's massive revenge porn problem has made these women's lives hell|date=29 October 2020|website=Mashable|access-date=28 January 2021|archive-date=28 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128165434/https://mashable.com/article/nudes-revenge-porn-crime-telegram/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/tech/rape-videos-child-porn-terror-telegram-anonymity-is-giving-criminals-a-free-run/307959/|title=Rape videos, child porn, terror — Telegram anonymity is giving criminals a free run|date=19 October 2019|website=The Print|access-date=28 January 2021|archive-date=8 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208201355/https://theprint.in/tech/rape-videos-child-porn-terror-telegram-anonymity-is-giving-criminals-a-free-run/307959/|url-status=live}}</ref> Telegram's internal reporting system has an option to report content that contains 'Child Abuse', including specific messages in groups and channels. The company has a verified channel called "Stop Child Abuse", where daily statistics on the number of groups and channels banned for sharing illegal materials are posted. It also provides an email address dedicated to reports of content related to child abuse.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://t.me/s/stopCA |title=Stop Child Abuse – Telegram |website=Telegram |access-date=24 September 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=15 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115225608/https://t.me/s/stopCA }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/15/asia/south-korea-telegram-digital-sex-intl-hnk-dst/index.html |title=South Korea is cracking down on digital sex crimes. Has it done enough? |date=17 January 2021 |website=CNN |access-date=24 September 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=24 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924162734/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/15/asia/south-korea-telegram-digital-sex-intl-hnk-dst/index.html }}</ref>

In January 2021, North Macedonian media outlets reported that a now-banned Telegram group, with more than 7,000 members, titled "Public Room" ("Јавна соба") was used to share nude photos of women, often young teenage girls.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.republika.mk/news/macedonia/users-of-telegram-group-where-pictures-of-underage-girls-were-shared-are-threatening-the-woman-who-reported-them/|title=Users of Telegram group where pictures of underage girls were shared are threatening the woman who reported them|date=27 January 2021|website=Republika English|access-date=28 January 2021|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127095816/https://english.republika.mk/news/macedonia/users-of-telegram-group-where-pictures-of-underage-girls-were-shared-are-threatening-the-woman-who-reported-them/|url-status=live}}</ref> Along with the shared photographs, anonymous accounts shared private information of the women, including phone numbers and social media profiles, encouraging members of the group to contact the women and ask for sexual favours.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.republika.mk/news/macedonia/one-of-the-girls-whose-pictures-were-shared-in-a-telegram-group-demands-action/|title=One of the girls whose pictures were shared in a Telegram group demands action|date=27 January 2021|website=Republika English|access-date=28 January 2021|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127134346/https://english.republika.mk/news/macedonia/one-of-the-girls-whose-pictures-were-shared-in-a-telegram-group-demands-action/|url-status=live}}</ref> This was done without prior agreement or knowledge of the women, causing intense public backlash and demand for the group to be shut down. The President of North Macedonia Stevo Pendarovski, along with the Prime Minister of North Macedonia Zoran Zaev, demanded an immediate reaction from Telegram and threatened to completely restrict access to the app in the country if no actions were taken.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.republika.mk/news/macedonia/calls-to-shut-down-telegram-group-used-to-share-pictures-of-underage-girls/|title=Calls to shut down Telegram group used to share pictures of underage girls|date=28 January 2021|website=Republika English|access-date=28 January 2021|archive-date=28 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128111846/https://english.republika.mk/news/macedonia/calls-to-shut-down-telegram-group-used-to-share-pictures-of-underage-girls/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/Zoran_Zaev/status/1354759939902894081 |title=Зоран Заев on Twitter |access-date=28 January 2021 |archive-date=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128115555/https://twitter.com/Zoran_Zaev/status/1354759939902894081 |url-status=live }}</ref> The group was banned after reports from users and media, although no public statement was made.

=== Bot abuse ===

In 2021, a bot was found selling leaked phone numbers from Facebook.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Facebook users' phone numbers are for sale through a Telegram bot|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/25/22249571/facebook-phone-number-hack-telegram-bot|access-date=2021-01-26|website=www.theverge.com|date=25 January 2021|language=en|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126113721/https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/25/22249571/facebook-phone-number-hack-telegram-bot|url-status=live}}</ref>

The chairman of the public organization "Electronic Democracy" Volodymyr Flents on 11 May 2020 announced that a Telegram bot appeared on the Web, which sold the personal data of Ukrainian citizens. It is estimated that the bot contains data from 26 million Ukrainians registered in the [[Software:Diia|Diia]] application. However, subsequently, deputy prime minister and minister of digital transformation Mykhailo Fedorov denied any data from the app being leaked. The criminal activity of 25 people has already been confirmed and copies of 30 databases were seized.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Утечка данных из анонимного Тelegram-канала: объявили 25 подозрений|url=https://www.ukrinform.ru/rubric-society/3051656-utecka-dannyh-iz-anonimnogo-telegramkanala-obavili-25-podozrenij.html|website=www.ukrinform.ru|access-date=25 June 2020|archive-date=11 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111073614/https://www.ukrinform.ru/rubric-society/3051656-utecka-dannyh-iz-anonimnogo-telegramkanala-obavili-25-podozrenij.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=19 June 2020|title=Cyber police searched for leaks in public and private databases &#124; Techumble|url=https://techumble.com/cyber-%e2%80%8b%e2%80%8bpolice-searched-for-leaks-in-public-and-private-databases/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628012411/https://techumble.com/cyber-%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8Bpolice-searched-for-leaks-in-public-and-private-databases/|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 June 2020|website=techumble.com|access-date=13 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=12 May 2020|title=Ukrainian data leak via telegram: MP will send requests to SBU and police &#124; Techumble|url=https://techumble.com/ukrainian-data-leak-via-telegram-mp-will-send-requests-to-sbu-and-police/|website=techumble.com|access-date=25 June 2020|archive-date=25 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025142849/https://techumble.com/ukrainian-data-leak-via-telegram-mp-will-send-requests-to-sbu-and-police/|url-status=live}}</ref>

A Telegram bot was blocked by Apple in 2020 after posting [[Deepfake pornography|deepfake pornography]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=The AI Telegram bot that abused women is still out of control|language=en-GB|magazine=Wired UK|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/porn-bots-in-telegram-deepfake|access-date=2021-06-27|issn=1357-0978|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127065028/https://www.wired.co.uk/article/porn-bots-in-telegram-deepfake|url-status=live}}</ref>

Telegram reportedly banned more than 350,000 bots and channels in 2020, including those that contained child abuse and terrorism-related content.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.crikey.com.au/2020/10/19/telegram-bans-350000-child-abusers-terrorists/|last=Ravlic |first=Tom |title=This dark world: messaging app bans more than 350,000 child abusers and terrorists |publisher=Crikey|date=19 October 2020}}</ref>

=== Myanmar military ===
Since the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état, pro-junta and pro-military actors, including nationalists and military lobbyists, have exploited Telegram's lax content moderation approach to post violent and misogynistic content against resistance groups, including the National Unity Government, People's Defence Forces, and individuals supporting a return to democracy.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=Myanmar: Social media companies must stand up to junta's online terror campaign say UN experts |url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/03/myanmar-social-media-companies-must-stand-juntas-online-terror-campaign-say |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=OHCHR |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |date=2022-06-09 |title=How Myanmar lobbyists use Telegram to spread propaganda, fake news |url=https://www.mizzima.com/article/how-myanmar-lobbyists-use-telegram-spread-propaganda-fake-news |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=Mizzima Myanmar News and Insight |language=en}}</ref> The move to Telegram was accelerated by Facebook and Instagram's ban of Myanmar military-linked accounts and ads following the coup.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-20 |title=EXPLAINER: Why is Facebook banning Myanmar military pages? |url=https://apnews.com/article/why-facebook-ban-myanmar-military-15f4c26c442c0d8af110594a5bb72c45 |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Nachemson |first=Andrew |date=2021-09-15 |title=Channelling hate and disinformation: Myanmar's bad actors move to Telegram |url=https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/channelling-hate-and-disinformation-myanmars-bad-actors-move-to-telegram/ |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=Frontier Myanmar |language=en-US}}</ref> These actors use Telegram to [[Doxing|dox]] women, political and human rights activists, and journalists.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Soe San Aung |date=2022-03-03 |title=Myanmar junta using social media to track its opponents |url=https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/social-media-03032022175020.html |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=Radio Free Asia |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":9" /> The targeted individuals then become a target for physical, sexual, and online harassment.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":11" /> These accounts are used as intelligence sources by the Burmese military to track down and detain such individuals.<ref name=":12" /> These pro-military accounts have also attacked independent media, disseminated military propaganda, and incited violence in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-06-02 |title=Pro-military death squad rallies openly on social media |url=https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/pro-military-death-squad-rallies-openly-on-social-media/ |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=Frontier Myanmar |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":10" /> In addition, Telegram is also pointed out to be used by fraud gangs in northern Myanmar assisted by the Myanmar military; they use Telegram to communicate and carry out telecommunications fraud for Mandarin speakers and human trafficking for mainland Chinese.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.globalantiscam.org/post/some-chinese-lured-by-high-paying-jobs-end-up-in-telecom-fraud-prostitution-in-myanmar | title=Chinese citizens lured by 'high-paying jobs' end up in telecom fraud, prostitution in Myanmar | date=3 October 2021 }}</ref>

In March 2023, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights called on Telegram to allocate resources "to identify, prevent, and mitigate human rights abuses on its platform."<ref name=":9" /> {{Asof|2023|March}}, Telegram had blocked at least 13 pro-military accounts.<ref name=":9" />

===Fraudulent jobs===
Telegram has received criticism for its failure to curb fraud on the platform. The most common mode of fraud involves scammers sending messages to unsuspecting users, offering part-time online jobs which comprise a series of tasks. Scammers employ a variety of confidence tricks to entice users into completing "prepaid tasks" in which users deposit money into scammers' accounts with the expectation of receiving high returns.<ref>{{cite news |title=Several job-seekers cheated in Telegram scam, Tambaram police urge cellphone users to be vigilant |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/several-job-seekers-in-telegram-scam-tambaram-urge-cellphone-users-to-be-vigilant/article66900587.ece |access-date=30 October 2023 |work=The Hindu |date=28 May 2023 |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Don't take the bait dropped through that missed call |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2023/05/25/online-fraid-missed-call-telegram-whatsapp.html |access-date=30 October 2023 |work=OnManorama}}</ref>

In July 2023, Hyderabad Police uncovered a fraud wherein 15,000 Indian citizens were duped out of {{INRconvert|712|c}} in less than a year, all related to "prepaid tasks" on Telegram; a cybercrime police investigation of the money trail revealed that the fraud originated from China and the money was laundered by [[Finance:Money mule|mules]] through cryptocurrency wallets.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fraudsters dupe 15,000 people of ₹712 crore, launders money to China |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/fraudsters-dupe-15-000-people-of-rs-712-crore-launders-money-to-china-this-is-how-they-operated-11690206228894.html |access-date=30 October 2023 |work=mint |date=24 July 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=No platform is fool proof, says Telegram on Rs 712 crore investment fraud |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/no-platform-is-fool-proof-says-telegram-on-rs-712-crore-investment-fraud-11063831.html |access-date=30 October 2023 |work=Moneycontrol |date=31 July 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

In September 2023, the Singapore Police stated that more than 6,600 Singaporeans had lost over {{SGDConvert|96.8|m}} to prepaid job scams on Telegram and WhatsApp since the start of the year.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sin |first1=Carmen |title=Police warn of online job scam; 6,600 victims have lost $96.8m since January |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/police-warn-of-fake-online-job-scam-6600-victims-lost-968m-since-january |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=16 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

== Reception ==
Channels have been used by celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger<ref>{{cite web |last1=Schwarzenegger |first1=Arnold |title=You can and anyone you know also find this on my new Telegram channel if that is easier |url=https://twitter.com/Schwarzenegger/status/1504429787481194499 |website=Twitter }}</ref> and politicians: President of France Emmanuel Macron,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Emmanuel Macron |url=https://t.me/emmanuelmacron |access-date=2022-07-01 |website=Telegram}}</ref> former Brazilian President [[Biography:Jair Bolsonaro|Jair Bolsonaro]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jair M. Bolsonaro 1 |url=https://t.me/jairbolsonarobrasil |access-date=2022-07-01 |website=Telegram}}</ref> Turkish President [[Biography:Recep Tayyip Erdoğan|Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Recep Tayyip Erdoğan |url=https://t.me/RTErdogan |access-date=2022-07-01 |website=Telegram}}</ref> President of Moldova Maia Sandu,<ref>{{Cite web |title=🇲🇩 Președintele Maia Sandu |url=https://t.me/maiasandumd/16 |access-date=2022-06-10 |website=Telegram}}</ref> President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy,<ref name="TimeZelenskyy"/> Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Andrés Manuel López Obrador |url=https://t.me/PresidenteAMLO |access-date=2022-07-01 |website=Telegram}}</ref> Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lee Hsien Loong |url=https://t.me/leehsienloong |access-date=2022-07-01 |website=Telegram}}</ref> President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, Ethiopian Prime Minister [[Biography:Abiy Ahmed|Abiy Ahmed]], Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others.

=== Security ===

Telegram's security model has received praise and notable criticism by cryptography experts. They criticized how, unless modified first, the default general security model stores all contacts, messages and media together with their decryption keys on its servers continuously; and that it does not enable [[End-to-end encryption|end-to-end encryption]] for messages by default.<ref name="cpj-2016-05-31"/><ref name="Turton-2016-06-24">{{cite web|last1=Turton|first1=William|title=Why You Should Stop Using Telegram Right Now|url=https://gizmodo.com/why-you-should-stop-using-telegram-right-now-1782557415|website=Gizmodo|publisher=Gawker Media|access-date=22 December 2020|date=24 June 2016|archive-date=8 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708145705/http://gizmodo.com/why-you-should-stop-using-telegram-right-now-1782557415|url-status=live}}</ref> Pavel Durov has argued that this is because it helps to avoid third-party unsecured backups, and to allow users to access messages and files from any device. Criticisms were also aimed at Telegram's use of a custom-designed encryption protocol.<ref name="cpj-2016-05-31" /><ref name="Jakobsen 2015">{{harvnb|Jakobsen|Orlandi|2015}}</ref><ref name="Cox-2015">{{cite web|last1=Cox|first1=Joseph|title=Why You Don't Roll Your Own Crypto|url=http://motherboard.vice.com/read/why-you-dont-roll-your-own-crypto|website=Motherboard|publisher=[[Company:Vice Media|Vice Media]]|access-date=22 December 2020|date=10 December 2015|archive-date=26 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226174309/http://motherboard.vice.com/read/why-you-dont-roll-your-own-crypto|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="dailydot.com">{{cite news|last1=Turton|first1=William|title=Cryptography expert casts doubt on encryption in ISIS' favorite messaging app|url=http://www.dailydot.com/politics/telegram-isis-encryption-cryptography/|website=The Daily Dot|access-date=11 December 2015|date=19 November 2015|archive-date=27 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627184947/http://www.dailydot.com/politics/telegram-isis-encryption-cryptography/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, in December 2020, a study titled "Automated Symbolic Verification of Telegram's MTProto 2.0" was published, confirming the security of the updated MTProto 2.0 and reviewing it while pointing out several theoretical vulnerabilities.<ref name="Miculan 2020">{{harvnb|Miculan|Vitacolonna|2020}}</ref><ref name="Miculan 2023">{{harvnb|Miculan|Vitacolonna|2023}}</ref> The paper provides "fully automated proof of the soundness of MTProto 2.0's authentication, normal chat, end-to-end encrypted chat, and re-keying mechanisms with respect to several security properties, including authentication, integrity, confidentiality and perfect forward secrecy" and "proves the formal correctness of MTProto 2.0". This partially addresses the concern about the lack of scrutiny while confirming the formal security of the protocol's latest version.<ref name="Miculan 2020"/><ref name="Miculan 2023">{{harvnb|Miculan|Vitacolonna|2023}}</ref>

The desktop clients (excluding the [[Software:MacOS|macOS]] client) do not feature options for end-to-end encrypted messages. When the user assigns a local password in the desktop application, data is locally encrypted also. Telegram has defended the lack of ubiquitous end-to-end encryption by claiming the online-backups that do not use [[Client-side encryption|client-side encryption]] are "the most secure solution currently possible".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://telegram.org/faq#q-why-not-just-make-all-chats-secret|title=Telegram F.A.Q.|website=Telegram|access-date=1 October 2017|archive-date=9 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209082001/https://telegram.org/faq#q-why-not-just-make-all-chats-secret|url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2016, critics disputed claims by Telegram that it is "more secure than mass market messengers like WhatsApp and Line",<ref name="how-secure"/> as WhatsApp claims to apply end-to-end encryption to all of its traffic by default and uses the [[Signal Protocol]], which has been "reviewed and endorsed by leading security experts", while Telegram does neither and stores all messages, media and contacts in their cloud.<ref name="cpj-2016-05-31"/><ref name="Turton-2016-06-24"/> Since July 2016, Line has also applied end-to-end encryption to all of its messages by default,<ref name="Sawers-2016-06-30">{{cite web|last1=Sawers|first1=Paul|title=Ahead of IPO, mobile messaging giant Line introduces end-to-end encryption by default|url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/06/30/ahead-of-ipo-mobile-messaging-giant-line-introduces-end-to-end-encryption-by-default/|website=VentureBeat|access-date=22 December 2020|date=30 June 2016|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512184542/https://venturebeat.com/2016/06/30/ahead-of-ipo-mobile-messaging-giant-line-introduces-end-to-end-encryption-by-default/|url-status=live}}</ref> though it has also been criticized for being susceptible to replay attacks and the lack of forward secrecy between clients.<ref name="Espinoza">{{harvnb|Espinoza|Tolley|Crandall|2017}}</ref>

In 2013, an author on the Russian programming website [[Habr]] discovered a weakness in the first version of MTProto that would allow an attacker to mount a man-in-the-middle attack and prevent the victim from being alerted by a changed key fingerprint. The bug was fixed on the day of the publication with a $100,000 payout to the author and a statement on Telegram's official blog.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Crowdsourcing a More Secure Future|url=https://telegram.org/blog/crowdsourcing-a-more-secure-future|date=21 December 2013|access-date=12 May 2021|website=Telegram|language=en|archive-date=26 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226140722/https://telegram.org/blog/crowdsourcing-a-more-secure-future%20|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 26 February 2014, the {{wipe|Germany}} consumer organization Stiftung Warentest evaluated several data-protection aspects of Telegram, along with other popular instant-messaging clients. Among the aspects considered were: the security of the data transmission, the service's terms of use, the accessibility of the source code, and the distribution of the app. Telegram was rated 'problematic' (''{{Lang|de|kritisch}}'') overall. The organization was favorable to Telegram's secure chats and partially free code but criticized the mandatory transfer of contact data to Telegram's servers and the lack of an imprint or address on the service's website. It noted that while the message data is encrypted on the device, it could not analyse the transmission due to a lack of source code.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.test.de/WhatsApp-und-Alternativen-Datenschutz-im-Test-4675013-0/|title=WhatsApp und Alternativen: Datenschutz im Test|date=26 February 2014|website=Stiftung Warentest|language=de|trans-title=WhatsApp and alternatives: data protection tested|access-date=22 December 2020|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512185648/https://www.test.de/WhatsApp-und-Alternativen-Datenschutz-im-Test-4675013-0/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Organization:Electronic Frontier Foundation|Electronic Frontier Foundation]] (EFF) listed Telegram on its "Secure Messaging Scorecard" in February 2015. Telegram's default chat function received a score of 4 out of 7 points on the scorecard. It received points for having communications encrypted in transit, having its code open to independent review, having the security design properly documented, and having completed a recent independent security audit. Telegram's default chat function missed points because the communications were not encrypted with keys the provider did not have access to, users could not verify contacts' identities, and past messages were not secure if the encryption keys were stolen. Telegram's optional secret chat function, which provides end-to-end encryption, received a score of 7 out of 7 points on the scorecard.<ref name="EFF-scorecard-v1">{{cite web |url=https://www.eff.org/node/82654 |title=Secure Messaging Scorecard |date=17 February 2015 |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |access-date=20 July 2016 |archive-date=28 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728011841/https://www.eff.org/node/82654 |url-status=live }}</ref> The EFF said that the results "should not be read as endorsements of individual tools or guarantees of their security", and that they were merely indications that the projects were "on the right track".<ref name="EFF-scorecard-v1"/>

In December 2015, two researchers from [[Organization:Aarhus University|Aarhus University]] published a report in which they demonstrated that MTProto 1.0 did not achieve [[Ciphertext indistinguishability#Indistinguishability under chosen ciphertext attack/adaptive chosen ciphertext attack (IND-CCA1, IND-CCA2)|indistinguishability under chosen-ciphertext attack]] (IND-CCA) or [[Authenticated encryption|authenticated encryption]].<ref>{{harvnb|Jakobsen|Orlandi|2015|p=6}}</ref> The researchers stressed that the attack was of a theoretical nature and they "did not see any way of turning the attack into a full plaintext-recovery attack". Nevertheless, they said they saw "no reason why [Telegram] should use a less secure encryption scheme when more secure (and at least as efficient) solutions exist".<ref name="Jakobsen-2015-p1">{{harvnb|Jakobsen|Orlandi|2015|p=1}}</ref> The Telegram team responded that the flaw does not affect message security<ref>{{cite web|title=FAQ for the Technically Inclined: What about IND-CCA?|url=https://core.telegram.org/techfaq#what-about-ind-cca|website=Telegram|access-date=25 March 2017|archive-date=28 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128144833/https://core.telegram.org/techfaq#what-about-ind-cca|url-status=live}}</ref> and that "a future patch would address the concern".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Clary|first1=Grayson|title=The Flaw in ISIS's Favorite Messaging App|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/01/isiss-favorite-messaging-app-has-a-security-problem/422460/|website=The Atlantic|date=4 January 2016|access-date=25 March 2017|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512210359/https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/01/isiss-favorite-messaging-app-has-a-security-problem/422460/|url-status=live}}</ref> Telegram 4.6, released in December 2017, supports MTProto 2.0, which now satisfied the conditions for IND-CCA.<ref name="Turton-2016-06-24" /><ref>{{cite web|title=FAQ for the Technically Inclined|url=https://core.telegram.org/techfaq#what-about-ind-cca|website=Telegram|access-date=9 December 2017|archive-date=28 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128144833/https://core.telegram.org/techfaq#what-about-ind-cca|url-status=live}}</ref> MTProto 2.0 is seen by qualified cryptographers as a vast improvement to Telegram's security.<ref name="Turton-2016-06-24" />

In April 2016, the accounts of several Russian opposition members were hijacked by intercepting the SMS messages used for login authorization.<ref name="Lokot-2016-05-02"/> In response, Telegram recommended using the optional two-factor authentication feature.<ref name="Lokot-2016-05-02"/> In May 2016, the Committee to Protect Journalists and Nate Cardozo, senior staff attorney at Electronic Frontier Foundation, recommended against using Telegram because of "its lack of end-to-end encryption [by default] and its use of non-standard MTProto encryption protocol, which has been publicly criticized by cryptography researchers, including Matthew Green".<ref name="cpj-2016-05-31">{{cite web|title=Why Telegram's security flaws may put Iran's journalists at risk|url=https://cpj.org/blog/2016/05/why-telegrams-security-flaws-may-put-irans-journal.php|publisher=Committee to Protect Journalists|access-date=20 July 2016|date=31 May 2016|archive-date=19 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819013449/https://cpj.org/blog/2016/05/why-telegrams-security-flaws-may-put-irans-journal.php|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 2 August 2016, Reuters reported that Iranian hackers compromised more than a dozen Telegram accounts and identified the phone numbers of 15 million Iranian users, as well as the associated user IDs. Researchers said the hackers belonged to a group known as [[Rocket Kitten]]. Rocket Kitten's attacks were similar to ones attributed to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. The attackers took advantage of a programming interface built into Telegram. According to Telegram, these mass checks are no longer possible because of limitations introduced into its API earlier in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://telegram.org/blog/15million-reuters|title=Keep Calm and Send Telegrams!|date=3 August 2016|website=Telegram|access-date=17 August 2020|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108161904/https://telegram.org/blog/15million-reuters|url-status=live}}</ref>

Login SMS messages are known to have been intercepted in Iran, Russia and Germany, possibly in coordination with phone or telecom companies.<ref name="Lokot-2016-05-02"/><ref name="Menn-2016-08-02"/><ref>{{cite web|last1=Lipp|first1=Sebastian|last2=Hoppenstedt|first2=Max|title=Exklusiv: Wie das BKA Telegram-Accounts von Terrorverdächtigen knackt|url=https://vice.com/de/article/pgk7gv/exklusiv-wie-das-bka-telegram-accounts-von-terrorverdaechtigen-knackt|website=Motherboard|publisher=Vice Media Inc.|access-date=5 December 2022|language=de|date=26 August 2016|archive-date=11 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211132159/http://motherboard.vice.com/de/read/exklusiv-wie-das-bka-telegram-accounts-von-terrorverdaechtigen-knackt|url-status=live}}</ref> Pavel Durov has said that Telegram users in "troubled countries" should enable two-factor authentication by creating passwords in order to prevent this.<ref name="Lokot-2016-05-02">{{cite web|last1=Lokot|first1=Tetyana|title=Is Telegram Really Safe for Activists Under Threat? These Two Russians Aren't So Sure.|url=https://advox.globalvoices.org/2016/05/02/is-telegram-really-safe-for-activists-under-threat-these-two-russians-arent-so-sure/|website=Advox|publisher=Global Voices|access-date=4 May 2016|date=2 May 2016|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512143414/https://advox.globalvoices.org/2016/05/02/is-telegram-really-safe-for-activists-under-threat-these-two-russians-arent-so-sure/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Menn-2016-08-02">{{cite news|last1=Menn|first1=Joseph|last2=Torbati|first2=Yeganeh|title=Exclusive: Hackers accessed Telegram messaging accounts in Iran – researchers|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-cyber-telegram-exclusive-idUSKCN10D1AM|access-date=3 August 2016|work=Reuters|publisher=Thomson Reuters|date=2 August 2016|location=San Francisco/Washington|archive-date=18 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518221135/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-cyber-telegram-exclusive-idUSKCN10D1AM|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2017, Pavel Durov in an interview claimed that U.S. intelligence agencies tried to bribe the company's developers to weaken Telegram's encryption or install a backdoor during their visit to the U.S. in 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=Telegram founder: U.S. intelligence agencies tried to bribe us to weaken encryption|url=https://news.fastcompany.com/telegram-founder-us-intelligence-agencies-tried-to-bribe-us-to-weaken-encryption-4040876|access-date=15 June 2017|work=FastCo News|date=15 June 2017|archive-date=19 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170719075854/https://news.fastcompany.com/telegram-founder-us-intelligence-agencies-tried-to-bribe-us-to-weaken-encryption-4040876|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Leyden|first1=John|title=Telegram chat app founder claims Feds offered backdoor bribe|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/06/14/telegram_boss_backdoor_offer_claim/|website=The Register|publisher=Situation Publishing|access-date=15 June 2017|date=14 June 2017|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512211640/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/06/14/telegram_boss_backdoor_offer_claim/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2018, Telegram sent a message to all Iranian users stating that the Telegram Talai and Hotgram unofficial clients are not secure.<ref>{{Citation|title=هشدار تلگرام درباره ناامن بودن "هاتگرام" و "طلاگرام"|date=17 December 2018 |url=https://www.radiofarda.com/a/iran-messaging-apps-security-concerns/29661203.html|language=fa|access-date=18 January 2019|archive-date=20 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120071559/https://www.radiofarda.com/a/iran-messaging-apps-security-concerns/29661203.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2014, Telegram promised that "all code will be released eventually", including all the various client applications (Android, iOS, desktop, etc.) and the server-side code.<ref>{{cite web |title=Telegram F.A.Q. |url=https://telegram.org/faq#q-why-not-open-source-everything |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309205427/https://telegram.org/faq#q-why-not-open-source-everything |archive-date=9 March 2014 |access-date=21 January 2019 |date=9 March 2014}}</ref> As of May 2021, Telegram had not published their server-side source code.<ref>{{cite web |title=Telegram F.A.Q. |url=https://telegram.org/faq#q-why-not-open-source-everything |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114013309/https://telegram.org/faq#q-why-not-open-source-everything |archive-date=14 January 2019 |access-date=21 January 2019 |date=14 January 2019}}</ref> In January 2021, Durov explained his rationale for not releasing server-side code, citing reasons such as inability for end-users to verify that the released code is the same code run on servers, and a government that wanted to acquire the server code and make a messaging app that would end competitors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://t.me/durovschat/515221|title=Durov's Chat|website=Telegram|access-date=12 January 2021|archive-date=12 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112075204/https://t.me/durovschat/515221|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 9 June 2019, The Intercept released leaked Telegram messages exchanged between current Brazilian Minister of Justice and former judge Sérgio Moro and federal prosecutors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://theintercept.com/series/secret-brazil-archive/ |title=Secret Brazil Archive — An Investigative Series by The Intercept |website=The Intercept |language=en |access-date=10 June 2019 |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128005348/https://theintercept.com/series/secret-brazil-archive/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The hypothesis is that either mobile devices were hacked by SIM swap or the targets' computers were compromised.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://noticias.uol.com.br/tecnologia/noticias/redacao/2019/06/10/como-hackers-tiveram-acesso-a-conversas-privadas-de-sergio-moro.htm |title=Como hackers tiveram acesso a conversas privadas de Sergio Moro? |website=noticias.uol.com.br |language=pt-br |access-date=10 June 2019 |archive-date=3 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703162727/https://noticias.uol.com.br/tecnologia/noticias/redacao/2019/06/10/como-hackers-tiveram-acesso-a-conversas-privadas-de-sergio-moro.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The Telegram team tweeted that it was either because the user had malware or they were not using [[Multi-factor authentication|two-step verification]].<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1138430205343731712 |user=telegram |title=Indeed, there's no evidence of any hack. Most likely to have been either malware or someone not using a 2-step verification password. |date=11 June 2019}}</ref>

On 12 June 2019, Telegram confirmed that it suffered a [[Denial-of-service attack|denial-of-service attack]] which disrupted normal app functionality for approximately one hour. Pavel Durov tweeted that the [[IP address]]es used in the attack mostly came from China.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-48619804|title=Telegram founder links cyber attack to China|date=13 June 2019|access-date=13 June 2019|language=en-GB|archive-date=11 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711092009/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-48619804|url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2019, multiple Russian businessmen suffered account takeovers that involved bypassing SMS single-factor authentication. Security company Group-IB suggested [[Signalling System No. 7|SS7]] mobile signalling protocol weaknesses, illegal usage of surveillance equipment, or telecom insider attacks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2019/12/12/mystery-russian-telegram-hacks-intercept-secret-codes-to-spy-on-messages/|title=Mystery Russian Telegram Hacks Intercept Secret Codes To Spy On Messages|last=Brewster|first=Thomas|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=13 December 2019|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101071209/https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2019/12/12/mystery-russian-telegram-hacks-intercept-secret-codes-to-spy-on-messages/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvrain.ru/news/group_ib_rossijskie_predprinimateli_pozhalovalis_na_vzlom_perepiski_v_telegram-498660/|title=Group-IB: российские предприниматели пожаловались на взлом переписки в Telegram|author=((TV Rain Inc.))|date=4 December 2019|website=tvrain.ru|language=ru|access-date=13 December 2019|archive-date=13 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813061736/https://tvrain.ru/news/group_ib_rossijskie_predprinimateli_pozhalovalis_na_vzlom_perepiski_v_telegram-498660/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 30 March 2020, an [[Software:Elasticsearch|Elasticsearch]] database holding 42 million records containing user IDs and phone numbers of Iranian users was exposed online without a password. The accounts were extracted from not Telegram but an unofficial version of Telegram, in what appears to be a possibly government-sanctioned [[Software:Fork (software development)|fork]]. It took 11 days for the database to be taken down, but the researchers say the data was accessed by other parties, including a hacker who reported the information to a specialized forum.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.comparitech.com/blog/information-security/iranian-telegram-accounts-leaked/|title=Report: 42M Iranian "Telegram" User IDs & Phone Numbers Leaked Online|date=30 March 2020|website=Comparitech|language=en-US|access-date=8 April 2020|archive-date=4 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204071119/https://www.comparitech.com/blog/information-security/iranian-telegram-accounts-leaked/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://securityboulevard.com/2020/04/elasticsearch-database-with-42-million-records-of-iranian-citizen-found-exposed-online/|title=Elasticsearch Database with 42 Million Records of Iranian Citizen Found Exposed Online|last1=7 April|first1=Silviu|last2=Stahie|date=7 April 2020|website=Security Boulevard|language=en-US|access-date=8 April 2020|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206113852/https://securityboulevard.com/2020/04/elasticsearch-database-with-42-million-records-of-iranian-citizen-found-exposed-online/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://hotforsecurity.bitdefender.com/blog/elasticsearch-database-with-42-million-records-of-iranian-citizen-found-exposed-online-22852.html|title=Elasticsearch Database with 42 Million Records of Iranian Citizen...|last=Stahie|first=Silviu|date=7 April 2020|website=HOTforSecurity|language=en-US|access-date=8 April 2020|archive-date=24 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024205102/https://hotforsecurity.bitdefender.com/blog/elasticsearch-database-with-42-million-records-of-iranian-citizen-found-exposed-online-22852.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 2020, it was reported that Iran's RampantKitten ran a phishing and surveillance campaign against dissidents on Telegram.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blog.checkpoint.com/2020/09/18/rampantkitten-an-iranian-surveillance-operation-unraveled/|title=RampantKitten: An Iranian Surveillance Operation unraveled|date=18 September 2020|website=Check Point Software|access-date=19 September 2020|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028174133/https://blog.checkpoint.com/2020/09/18/rampantkitten-an-iranian-surveillance-operation-unraveled/|url-status=live}}</ref> The attack relied on people downloading a malware-infected file from any source, at which point it would replace Telegram files on the device and 'clone' session data. David Wolpoff, a former Department of Defense contractor, has stated that the weak link in the attack was the device itself and not any of the affected apps: "There's no way for a secure communication app to keep a user safe when the end devices are compromised."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/93423-check-point-researchers-Iranian-hackers-can-bypass-encrypted-apps-like-telegram|title=Check Point researchers: Iranian hackers can bypass encrypted apps like Telegram|date=22 September 2020|website=Security Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=25 September 2020|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022205723/https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/93423-check-point-researchers-Iranian-hackers-can-bypass-encrypted-apps-like-telegram|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2021, researchers from [[Organization:Royal Holloway, University of London|Royal Holloway, University of London]] and [[Organization:ETH Zurich|ETH Zurich]] published an analysis of the MTProto protocol, concluding that the protocol could provide a "confidential and integrity-protected channel" for communication. They also found that attackers had the theoretical ability to reorder messages coming from the client to the server though the attacker would not be able to see the content of the messages. Several other theoretical vulnerabilities were reported as well, in response to which Telegram released a document stating that the [[Man-in-the-middle attack|MITM attack]] on the key exchange was impossible as well as detailing the changes made to the protocol to protect from it in the future. All issues were patched before the paper's publication with a security bounty paid out to the researchers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mtpsym.github.io/ |title=Security Analysis of Telegram (Symmetric Part) |date=16 July 2021 |website=Github |language=en |access-date=16 July 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=16 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716090326/https://mtpsym.github.io/ }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://core.telegram.org/techfaq/UoL-ETH-4a-proof |title=MTProto Analysis: Comments for the technically inclined |date=16 July 2021 |website=Telegram |language=en |access-date=16 July 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=16 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716145120/https://core.telegram.org/techfaq/UoL-ETH-4a-proof }}</ref><ref name="cyberscoop.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.cyberscoop.com/telegram-app-security-encryption/ |title=Cryptographers unearth vulnerabilities in Telegram's encryption protocol |date=16 July 2021 |website=Cyberscoop |language=en |access-date=16 July 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=16 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716145127/https://www.cyberscoop.com/telegram-app-security-encryption/ }}</ref>

In September 2021, a Russian researcher published details about a bug with the self-destruct feature that allowed the user to recover deleted photos from their own device. The bug was patched prior to publication and Telegram representatives offered a €1,000 bug bounty. The researcher did not sign the [[Social:Non-disclosure agreement|NDA]] that came with the offer and did not receive the award, opting to disclose the bug.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sharma |first=Ax |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2021/10/researcher-refuses-telegrams-bounty-award-discloses-auto-delete-bug/ |title=Researcher refuses Telegram's bounty award, discloses auto-delete bug |date=4 October 2021 |website=ArsTechnica |language=en |access-date=8 October 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=8 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008082339/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2021/10/researcher-refuses-telegrams-bounty-award-discloses-auto-delete-bug/ }}</ref><ref name="cyberscoop.com"/><ref>{{Cite web|title=Конфиденциальность пользователей Telegram снова нарушена. Представители мессенджера требуют не раскрывать подробностей|url=https://habr.com/ru/post/580582/|access-date=2021-10-08|website=habr.com|date=29 September 2021 |language=en|archive-date=7 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007215311/https://habr.com/ru/post/580582/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=bug bounty EUR1,000.pdf|url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/13sEnr37gFw2ygsnDHLYbPloiAtvhR59X/view?usp=sharing&usp=embed_facebook|access-date=2021-10-08|website=Google Docs|archive-date=7 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007011725/https://drive.google.com/file/d/13sEnr37gFw2ygsnDHLYbPloiAtvhR59X/view?usp=sharing&usp=embed_facebook|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=NVD – CVE-2021-41861|url=https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-41861|access-date=2021-10-08|website=nvd.nist.gov|archive-date=8 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008064513/https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-41861|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2023, the Norwegian National Security Authority (NSM) advised against the use of Telegram and [[Software:TikTok|TikTok]] on business devices (especially the ones used for government related activities), the assessment has been commissioned and supported by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, Emilie Enger Mehl. Regarding Telegram, the report cites its lack of end-to-end encryption by default, its Russian origins and third-party [[Open-source intelligence|open source intelligence]] as major critical points.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://nsm.no/aktuelt/anbefaler-ikke-tiktok-eller-telegram-pa-tjenesteenheter |title=Anbefaler ikke Tiktok eller Telegram på tjenesteenheter |date=2023-03-23 |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=Nasjonal sikkerhetsmyndighet |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230326201653/https://nsm.no/aktuelt/anbefaler-ikke-tiktok-eller-telegram-pa-tjenesteenheter |archive-date=2023-03-26 |url-status=live |language=no |trans-title=Do not recommend Tiktok or Telegram on service devices}}</ref>

==== Cryptography contests ====

Telegram has organized two cryptography contests to challenge its own security. Third parties were asked to break the service's cryptography and disclose the information contained within a secret chat between two computer-controlled users. A reward of respectively {{US$|200000}} and {{US$|300000}} was offered. Both of these contests expired with no winners.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://telegram.org/blog/winter-contest-ends|title = Winter Contest Ends|date = 2 March 2014|access-date = 24 October 2015|website = Telegram|archive-date = 26 December 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181226140739/https://telegram.org/blog/winter-contest-ends%20|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://telegram.org/blog/cryptocontest-ends|title = Crypto Contest Ends|date = 11 February 2015|access-date = 24 October 2015|website = Telegram|archive-date = 18 May 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190518221134/https://telegram.org/blog/cryptocontest-ends|url-status = live}}</ref> Security researcher Moxie Marlinspike, founder of the competing [[Software:Signal|Signal]] messenger, and commenters on ''[[Social:Hacker News|Hacker News]]'' criticized the first contest for being rigged or framed in Telegram's favor and said that Telegram's statements on the value of these contests as proof of the cryptography's quality are misleading. This was because the cryptography contest could not be won even with completely broken algorithms such as [[MD2 (hash function)]] used as key stream extractor, and primitives such as the [[Dual EC DRBG]] that is known to be backdoored.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://thoughtcrime.org/blog/telegram-crypto-challenge/|archive-url = https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20140307220634/http://thoughtcrime.org/blog/telegram-crypto-challenge/|url-status=dead|archive-date = 7 March 2014|title = A Crypto Challenge for the Telegram Developers|first = Moxie|last = Marlinspike|date = 19 December 2013|work = Thought Crime|access-date = 2 March 2014|df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://tech.eu/news/telegram-protocol-cracking-contest/|title = Cracking contest: first one who breaks Telegram gets $200,000 in bitcoins (but really, nobody wins)|first = Robin|last = Wauters|date = 19 December 2013|access-date = 2 March 2014|website = Tech.eu|archive-date = 26 December 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181226140728/https://tech.eu/news/telegram-protocol-cracking-contest/|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.cryptofails.com/post/70546720222/telegrams-cryptanalysis-contest|title = Telegram's Cryptanalysis Contest|date = 19 December 2013|access-date = 24 October 2015|website = Crypto Fails|last = Hornby|first = Taylor|archive-date = 26 December 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181226140737/http://www.cryptofails.com/post/70546720222/telegrams-cryptanalysis-contest|url-status = live}}</ref>

=== Censorship ===
{{Further|Social:Government censorship of Telegram Messenger}}

Telegram has been blocked temporarily or permanently by some governments including Iran, China, Brazil, and Pakistan. The Russian government blocked Telegram for several years before lifting the ban in 2020.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Erdbrink |first=Thomas |date=2018-05-01 |title=Iran, Like Russia Before It, Tries to Block Telegram App |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/01/world/middleeast/iran-telegram-app-russia.html |url-status=live |access-date=2021-06-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106232828/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/01/world/middleeast/iran-telegram-app-russia.html |archive-date=6 November 2020 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-06-18 |title=Russia lifts ban on private messaging app Telegram |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/telegram-russia-ban-lift-messaging-app-encryption-download-a9573181.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107020625/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/telegram-russia-ban-lift-messaging-app-encryption-download-a9573181.html |archive-date=7 November 2020 |access-date=2021-06-27 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kilpatrick |first=Ryan Ho |date=2015-07-13 |title=China blocks Telegram messenger, blamed for aiding human rights lawyers |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2015/07/13/china-blocks-telegram-messenger-blamed-for-aiding-human-rights-lawyers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150713082315/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2015/07/13/china-blocks-telegram-messenger-blamed-for-aiding-human-rights-lawyers/ |archive-date=13 July 2015 |access-date=2021-06-27 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}}</ref> The company's founder has said he wants the app to have an anti-censorship tool for Iran and China similar to the app's role in fighting censorship in Russia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Telegram founder says anti-censorship tech that defeated Russian authorities should be used against Iran and China |url=https://meduza.io/en/news/2020/06/22/telegram-founder-says-anti-censorship-tech-used-to-defeat-russian-authorities-should-be-used-in-iran-and-china |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613170350/https://meduza.io/en/news/2020/06/22/telegram-founder-says-anti-censorship-tech-used-to-defeat-russian-authorities-should-be-used-in-iran-and-china |archive-date=13 June 2021 |access-date=2021-06-27 |website=Meduza |language=en}}</ref>

==== 2019 Puerto Rico "Telegramgate" ====

Telegram was the main subject surrounding the 2019 Puerto Rico riots that ended up in the resignation of then-Governor Ricardo Rosselló. Hundreds of pages of a group chat between Rosselló and members of his staff were leaked. The messages were considered vulgar, racist, and homophobic, with members of the chat discussing how they would use the media to target potential political opponents.<ref>{{cite web|last=Serrano|first=Oscar J.|title=WhatsApp Gate 2.0: Nuevo chat expone a la Administración Rosselló|url=https://www.noticel.com/ahora/gobierno/whatsapp-gate-20-nuevo-chat-expone-a-la-administracion-rossello/1093250289|website=NotiCel|accessdate=July 19, 2019|language=es|date=July 13, 2019|archive-date=27 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727235312/https://www.noticel.com/ahora/gobierno/whatsapp-gate-20-nuevo-chat-expone-a-la-administracion-rossello/1093250289|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== 2021 shutdown of Russian political bots ====

In September 2021, prior to the regional elections in Russia, Telegram suspended several bots spreading information about the election, including a bot run by the opposition party and critics of incumbent president Vladimir Putin's government,<ref name="RFE_TG_Censorship">{{Cite web |date=2021-09-18 |title=Telegram Messenger Blocks Navalny's Bot During Vote |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/telegram-navalny-smart-voting/31466263.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918221938/https://www.rferl.org/a/telegram-navalny-smart-voting/31466263.html |archive-date=18 September 2021 |access-date=2021-09-19 |website=RadioFreeEurope |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |agency=AFP |date=2021-09-18 |title=Telegram Messenger Blocks Navalny Bot During Russian Election |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/09/18/telegram-messenger-blocks-navalny-bot-during-russian-election-a75079 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926151950/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/09/18/telegram-messenger-blocks-navalny-bot-during-russian-election-a75079 |archive-date=26 September 2021 |access-date=2021-09-26 |website=The Moscow Times |language=en}}</ref> citing [[Social:Election silence|election silence]] as the reason, though a blog post by the company's CEO implied the company was following Apple and Google, which "dictate the rules of the game to developers".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-18 |title=Telegram messenger blocks Russia opposition bot during vote |url=https://www.rfi.fr/en/business-and-tech/20210918-telegram-messenger-blocks-russia-opposition-bot-during-vote |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918153809/https://www.rfi.fr/en/business-and-tech/20210918-telegram-messenger-blocks-russia-opposition-bot-during-vote |archive-date=18 September 2021 |access-date=2021-09-18 |website=RFI |language=en}}</ref><ref name="RFE_TG_Censorship" /> The blocking of the main Smart Voting bot was criticized by allies of Alexei Navalny, a Kremlin critic and former opposition leader. Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh called the block and the deletion of the tactical voting app from app stores "censorship [...] imposed by private companies".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-18 |title=Navalny allies accuse YouTube, Telegram of censorship in Russian election |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/navalny-allies-accuse-telegram-censorship-russian-election-2021-09-18/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920012333/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/navalny-allies-accuse-telegram-censorship-russian-election-2021-09-18/ |archive-date=20 September 2021 |access-date=2021-09-19 |website=Reuters |language=en}}</ref> In a later blog post, Durov directly stated that the block was a result of pressure from Google and Apple as refusal to comply with their policies would result "in an immediate shutdown of Telegram for millions of users". The post included a screenshot showing an internal email sent by the App Store to developers, demanding the takedown of content related to Navalny.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Durov's Channel |url=https://t.me/durov/168 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926010611/https://t.me/durov/168 |archive-date=26 September 2021 |access-date=28 September 2021 |website=Telegram |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== 2022 Delhi High Court ruling ====
On November 24, following an order by the Delhi High Court, Telegram was ordered to disclose the admin names, phone numbers and IP addresses of channels accused of unauthorised sharing of national exam study materials. Telegram originally argued that its regional servers were located in Singapore and thus no data could be disclosed as the local laws prohibit it.<ref>{{Cite web |title=After Delhi High Court Ruling, Telegram Discloses Names, Phone Numbers & IP Addresses Of Users Accused Of Sharing Infringing Material |url=https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/after-court-order-telegram-discloses-phone-numbers-ip-addresses-of-users-accused-of-sharing-infringing-material-215311 |last=Ahsan |first=Sofi |date=29 November 2022 |access-date=30 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite court|litigants=Neetu Singh vs Telegram FZ LLC|court=High Court of Dehli at New Dehli|date=2022-11-24|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204014758/http://164.100.60.183/writereaddata/orderSan_Pdf/pms/2022/1669618366215_31241_2022.pdf}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Software:Comparison of cross-platform instant messaging clients|Comparison of cross-platform instant messaging clients]]
* [[Internet privacy]]
* [[Social:Secure instant messaging|Secure instant messaging]]

{{clear}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==
{{Refbegin}}

* {{cite web|url=https://eprint.iacr.org/2015/1177.pdf|title=On the CCA (in)security of MTProto|last1=Jakobsen|first1=Jakob|last2=Orlandi|first2=Claudio|date=8 December 2015|website=Cryptology ePrint Archive|publisher=International Association for Cryptologic Research (IACR)|access-date=11 December 2015|archive-date=12 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212214527/http://eprint.iacr.org/2015/1177.pdf|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite conference|last1=Rottermanner|first1=Christoph|last2=Kieseberg|first2=Peter|last3=Huber|first3=Markus|last4=Schmiedecker|first4=Martin|last5=Schrittwieser|first5=Sebastian|date=December 2015|title=Privacy and Data Protection in Smartphone Messengers|url=https://www.sba-research.org/wp-content/uploads/publications/paper_drafthp.pdf|conference=Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Information Integration and Web-based Applications & Services (iiWAS2015)|publisher=ACM International Conference Proceedings Series|isbn=978-1-4503-3491-4|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=27 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327011416/https://www.sba-research.org/wp-content/uploads/publications/paper_drafthp.pdf|url-status=live}}
* {{cite arXiv|title=Automated Symbolic Verification of Telegram's MTProto 2.0|last1=Miculan|first1=Marino|last2=Vitocolonna|first2=Nicola|date=5 December 2020|class=cs.CR |eprint=2012.03141v1}}
* {{cite web|url=https://mtpsym.github.io/paper.pdf|title=Four Attacks and a Proof for Telegram|last1=Albrecht|first1=Martin R.|last2=Mareková|first2=Lenka|last3=Paterson|first3=Kenneth G.|last4=Stepanovs|first4=Igors|date=16 July 2021|access-date=16 July 2021|archive-date=16 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716091205/https://mtpsym.github.io/paper.pdf|url-status=live}}
* {{cite web|last1=Abu-Salma1|first1=Ruba|last2=Krol|first2=Kat|last3=Parkin|first3=Simon|last4=Kohl|first4=Victoria|last5=Kwan|first5=Kevin|last6=Mahboob|first6=Jazib|last7=Traboulsi|first7=Zahra|last8=Sasse|first8=M. Angela|url=https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1560501/1/Abu-Salma%20et%20al.%20-%202017%20-%20The%20Security%20Blanket%20of%20the%20Chat%20World%20An%20Analyti.pdf|title=The Security Blanket of the Chat World:An Analytic Evaluation and a User Study of Telegram|publisher=[[Organization:University College London|University College London]]|journal=|access-date=7 February 2021|archive-date=5 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205025259/https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1560501/1/Abu-Salma%20et%20al.%20-%202017%20-%20The%20Security%20Blanket%20of%20the%20Chat%20World%20An%20Analyti.pdf|url-status=live}}
* {{cite web|last1=Hannan Bin Azhar|first1=M A|last2=Barton|first2=Thomas Edward Allen|url=https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/download/3e59ded778529baaf67e0be4d5c9b31b7fca48bb14ef965948fa5cc6d578c3c6/685125/15054.pdf|title=Forensic Analysis of Secure Ephemeral Messaging Applications on Android Platforms|publisher=[[Organization:Canterbury Christ Church University|Canterbury Christ Church University]]|journal=|access-date=7 February 2021|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627152104/https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/download/3e59ded778529baaf67e0be4d5c9b31b7fca48bb14ef965948fa5cc6d578c3c6/685125/15054.pdf|url-status=live}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.usenix.org/system/files/conference/foci17/foci17-paper-espinoza.pdf|title=Alice and Bob, who the FOCI are they?:Analysis of end-to-end encryption in the LINE messaging application|last1=Espinoza|first1=Antonio|last2=Tolley|first2=William|date=August 2017|website=Usenix|publisher=USENIX Association|access-date=12 May 2021|ref={{harvid|Espinoza|Tolley|Crandall|2017}}|archive-date=11 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511230541/https://www.usenix.org/system/files/conference/foci17/foci17-paper-espinoza.pdf|url-status=live}}

{{Refend}}

== External links ==

{{Instant messaging}}
{{Subject bar|commons=y|s-search=|portal3=Freedom of speech|portal2=internet|portal1=companies|d-search=|d=y|v-search=|v=y|s=y|commons-search=Category:Telegram Messenger|q-search=|q=y|b-search=|b=y|wikt-search=|wikt=y|n-search=|n=y|portal4=Telecommunications|portal5=Free and open-source software}}

[[Category:Communication software]]
[[Category:Cross-platform software]]
[[Category:Instant messaging clients]]
[[Category:IOS software]]
[[Category:Linux software]]
[[Category:Software that uses Qt]]
[[Category:Windows Phone software]]

{{Sourceattribution|Telegram (software)|1}}