Telegram privacy: How to secure your personal data

Key takeaways

• Telegram offers various features to protect user privacy, including end-to-end encryption in Secret Chats, self-destructing messages and robust data encryption. 
• While Telegram’s Cloud Chats allow easy access across devices, they store data on Telegram’s servers. Secret Chats keep your messages private by not syncing with the cloud and deleting messages after they are read.
• Telegram offers extensive privacy settings, allowing you to control who sees your phone number, last seen status, profile photo and more. Tailor these settings to enhance your security and minimize exposure to unwanted contacts.
• Telegram’s commitment to free speech and minimal content moderation has led to clashes with governments, underscoring the difficulties messaging apps face in balancing user privacy with government surveillance requests.

Telegram is a popular messaging app that allows users to stay connected with friends through its easy-to-use interface and versatile features. In the crypto world, it’s a hub for communities, real-time news and project updates. Options like Cloud Chats for secure backups and Secret Chats for privacy have become vital tools for crypto enthusiasts.

But like any app, protecting your privacy, including personal data, conversations and online presence, is crucial. Knowing how to protect your privacy on Telegram can give you peace of mind.

This Telegram privacy guide explains some practical steps and tips for securing your information on the platform.

Understanding Telegram’s privacy mechanism

When considering privacy in messaging apps, it’s essential to consider how they protect your right to privacy. Many laws worldwide, including the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and constitutional laws in various countries, protect this fundamental human right.

If you are a Telegram user, you should be aware of the range of features Telegram provides to balance privacy with convenience and make the right choices for your messaging needs.

End-to-end encryption

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a method of securing communication in which your messages (sender) are encrypted on your device and only decrypted on the recipient’s device. It’s different from SMS data, which is not encrypted — in theory, anyone can check it.

Telegram implements E2EE in its Secret Chats option, meaning no one, not even Telegram, can read your messages while they are transmitted. It’s like sending a locked letter, where only the recipient has the key to unlock it.

But why is this level of encryption essential?

It’s important when sharing sensitive information like financial details or identity documents. E2EE ensures that no third party can monitor and decipher your messages.

Secret Chats

Telegram’s Secret Chats use E2EE by default, providing an extra layer of security. But these chats don’t sync with Telegram’s cloud, meaning you can’t access them from other devices, unlike regular or Cloud Chats. This functionality is primarily useful for confidential conversations.

For example, if you want to discuss a new crypto business model with your partners, Secret Chats ensures your conversation remains hidden from third-parties. Plus, these chats don’t get backed up to the cloud, so once they’re gone, they’re gone, especially if you lose access to the device.

How are your messages secured?

Telegram uses the MTProto protocol to encrypt your messages so that only the intended recipient can read them, keeping your chats private and protected from prying eyes. It relies on 256-bit symmetric AES encryption, 2048-bit RSA encryption, and Diffie–Hellman secure key exchange.

Did you know? 256-bit AES encryption protects your data with a virtually unbreakable key, 2048-bit RSA encryption secures your communications by ensuring only the intended recipient can decrypt your messages, and the Diffie–Hellman key exchange allows two parties to create a shared secret over an insecure channel, making further communication secure and private.

Secret Chats are available on Telegram’s iOS, Android and macOS apps, but the Web version and Windows app do not support these chats, as they cannot ensure secure local storage of conversations on devices.

Self-destructing messages

Self-destructing messages in Secret Chats provide a time-sensitive element to your chats, further enhancing privacy. Messages can be set to be deleted automatically after a certain amount of time, anywhere from a few seconds to a week. 

Private information that shouldn’t be kept around, like a one-time password or private company information, is one of the use cases of Secret Chats. Sensitive information is less likely to be revealed because the communication disappears from the recipient’s and your device when the timeout expires. 

Privacy policy

Telegram’s privacy policy outlines how the company collects, uses, discloses and manages customer data. It is a legal document that is publicly available, usually on the company’s website, under the “Privacy” or “Privacy Policy” menu.

Let’s look at some aspects of Telegram’s privacy settings: 

• Data encryption: Telegram uses end-to-end encryption for Secret Chats, so only you and the recipient can read the messages. Regular chats are encrypted between your device and Telegram’s servers.
• Cloud Chats: Regular chats are stored in the cloud so that you can access them from any device. This means your chats are synced across devices but not end-to-end encrypted like Secret Chats.
• User information: Telegram collects basic information like your phone number and contacts to help you connect with friends. They don’t sell this data to third parties.
• User control: You have control over your data. You can delete your account anytime, and Telegram will erase your data from their servers.
• Data storage: Telegram doesn’t store your messages on its servers once they are delivered. For Secret Chats, messages are deleted from Telegram’s servers as soon as they are delivered.
• Privacy settings: Telegram lets you manage who can see your last seen profile photo and who can contact you.
• Third-party requests: Telegram says it only shares data with authorities if legally required to, but it prioritizes user privacy.
• Updates: Telegram occasionally updates its privacy policy and will notify you of significant changes.

For more details, read Telegram’s full privacy policy here. 

Cloud-based storage

Telegram also provides cloud-based storage for regular chats, allowing convenient access to your messages on any device.

But there’s a catch: these messages are stored on Telegram’s servers, and while they’re encrypted, Telegram holds the keys. This implies it could technically access your data if required, which is a huge concern for privacy-focused users.

Tips for protecting your privacy on Telegram

Worried about your sensitive data? Here’s how you can ensure secure messaging on Telegram and protect your privacy:

• Enable E2EE: With Secret Chats that enable E2EE, only you and your chat partner can see the messages. Plus, features like screenshot notifications help protect you from privacy violations.
• Set message timers: By setting self-destruct timers, your messages will automatically delete after a set time, keeping your conversations private and minimizing the risk of accessing old messages later.
• Limit personal info: Be careful about sharing personal details, like your address or identification documents, in public groups or channels. Keeping this information confidential helps protect you from potential misuse.
• Mind your metadata: Be aware that photos and location data you share can include extra information about you. Manage your settings to control what metadata is shared.
• Secure your account: To keep your account safe, use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.
• Watch out for third-party apps: When using third-party apps or services that connect with Telegram, make sure they’re trustworthy. Always check their permissions and reviews before allowing them access to your account.
• Stay updated about Telegram’s privacy policy: Check Telegram’s privacy policies and updates to stay informed about changes that could impact your privacy. This could help you stay ahead of security risks.

Did you know? Telegram lets you have multiple secret chats with the same person, but group chats can’t be secret. Unlike WhatsApp, which applies end-to-end encryption to all chats by default, Telegram only offers this feature for Secret Chats.

How to enable end-to-end encryption for Secret Chats in Telegram

If you want to keep your conversations confidential on Telegram, you’ll want to use Secret Chats, which come with end-to-end encryption. Here’s how you can enable Secret Chat on Telegram: 

• Step 1: Find the contact you want to chat with.
• Step 2: Tap the contact’s name to open the chat, then tap on their profile picture or name at the top. Now, tap the three dots icon at the upper-right corner. A drop-down menu will appear with the option “Start Secret Chat.”

• Step 3: Tap “Start Secret Chat,” and a new window will appear. Wait for the other person to join, and you can begin chatting confidentially.

You might be wondering if these chats are truly as secret as they seem. With E2EE, you can trust that only you and the other person can access the messages. Even Telegram can’t access them. To enhance security, you can use a self-destruct timer to destroy the messages after a predetermined time period.

Here’s the process to access the self-destruct timer:

• Step 1: On the upper-right corner of the Secret Chat, tap the three dots icon. A drop-down menu will appear. One of the options is “Set a self-destruct timer,” which you need to tap.

• Step 2: A self-destruct timer pop-up appears. Set the time as you desire, and your messages will disappear after the set time lapses.

Telegram has removed the ability to take screenshots of Secret Chats to make it even more secure. The only remaining loophole is that someone could take a picture using another phone. But if someone is determined, they can often find a way around it.

Configuring Telegram privacy and security settings

Here’s how you can configure privacy and security settings on Telegram: 

• Step 1: Tap the three-strip icon in the upper-left corner of the screen.

• Step 2: A drop-down menu will appear. Tap “Settings.”

• Step 3: Again, a drop-down menu will appear. Tap “Privacy and Security.”

Telegram’s security settings

To enhance security, Telegram allows you to set up two-step verification, auto-delete messages and local passcodes. You can also block users and terminate active sessions. Here’s how you can implement these:

Two-step verification

• To set up two-step verification, tap on “Create password.”

• Enter and reenter the password on the next screen to set it up. Telegram will ask you for the password when you log in on a new device.

Auto-delete messages

• Telegram allows you to set up a self-destruct timer on your messages. You could set up the timer for pre-defined periods of a day, a week, a month or a customized time frame. 

Local passcode

• A local passcode is a security feature set up on an app or device to protect access to your data. In messaging apps like Telegram, a local passcode is a PIN or password you create to lock the app.
• Tap “Local passcode” in the “Privacy and Security” menu. A window “Create Local Passcode” will pop up.
• Enter any passcode of your choice and then reenter it to confirm. 
• A lock icon appears at the top of your chat list. You need to enter the passcode before you are able to access the list.

Blocked users

• Do you want to restrict someone from accessing you on Telegram? You could block any number of users on your contact list.
• Tap block users and pick the names you want to block on the next screen.

Active sessions

• Telegram allows you to view active sessions of the app and terminate any of these.
• Tap “Active sessions” to view all such sessions. You could select any number of sessions and terminate them. 
• Alternatively, you could terminate all the sessions at one go. You could also rename these sessions for convenience.
• Telegram also enables you to set up self-terminating sessions of Telegram sessions if you’re inactive for a predetermined time period.

Telegram’s privacy settings

On Telegram, you can control who has access to your privacy settings, allowing you to manage who can see various details associated with your profile. This information includes your phone number, the time you last visited the app, profile photos, bio and date of birth. You can specify whether you want to make such information public, limit it to your contacts or restrict everyone from accessing it. You can also set up exceptions regarding these specifications. 

An example of how to set up privacy settings for your date of birth can help clarify the process and show you how it’s done. 

• To begin, tap “Settings” > “Privacy and Security” > Date of birth 
• You can select any one of three options — Everybody, My contacts, Nobody — to set up who can see your date of birth. Telegram allows you to add some users as exceptions. These exceptions will be allowed or disallowed to view your date of birth, regardless of the settings.

You can also set up specifications regarding your calls, forwarded messages, groups and channels, messages and voice messages. Here’s a brief list of what you can specify through various options:

• Forwarded messages: Who can add a link to your account when forwarding your messages.
• Calls: Who can call you.
• Groups and channels: Who can add you to groups and channels.
• Voice messages: Who can send you voice messages.
• Messages: Who can send you messages.

To optimize privacy, you’ll need to change default settings, as all options and data are available to everyone by default. Here’s what you can do to avoid sharing unnecessary details with unknown Telegram users:

Data privacy and surveillance: Telegram’s battle with governments

Telegram is caught between balancing free speech with regulatory control. The platform, known for its commitment to privacy and minimal content moderation, appeals to users seeking unrestricted communication. But it has faced criticism for being used by “numerous criminal groups.”

On Aug. 24, Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov was detained by French authorities acting on a search warrant linked to alleged platform violations. According to French administrative documents reviewed by Politico, the arrest warrants for Durov and his brother Nikolai were initially issued in March 2024.

The warrants were issued after the Paris prosecutor’s cybercrime unit found a suspect using the messaging app to trick girls into sending “self-produced child pornography,” which he threatened to post on social media. Reportedly, Telegram gave “no answer” to a previous judicial request to identify a Telegram user involved in the crime. Other serious allegations against Durov include Telegram’s use in drug dealing and scams.

Public figures around the world have reacted to Durov’s arrest. Lex Fridman, a researcher, podcast host and artificial intelligence expert, called it a “disturbing attack on free speech” in an X post.

Tesla founder and X owner Elon Musk — a strong free speech advocate — shared a past interview between Durov and independent journalist Tucker Carlson on social media with the hashtag #FreePavel.

Telegram responded to Durov’s arrest with an official statement.

It’s not the first time Durov has faced regulatory scrutiny. His commitment to keeping Telegram neutral has led to conflicts with various governments, including in his home country of Russia, which tried to block the app in 2018 after he refused to grant access to user messages. 

Did you know? Durov faced major issues with VKontakte, the Russian social media platform he originally created. He left VK in 2014 after a power struggle with investors and government pressures, which later influenced his strong stance on privacy and digital freedom with Telegram.

Similarly, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission intervention in the Telegram Open Network, which has since re-branded to The Open Network, led to Telegram ending its official involvement with TON. However, this setback did not deter the TON community, and the project continued with the support of other developers. 

Even cybersecurity researchers have criticized Telegram’s security despite being open-source and using the MTProto encryption protocol. The main concern is that the platform uses a custom, non-standard encryption protocol, which some experts believe might have vulnerabilities. Additionally, all messages, even those in Secret Chats, pass through Telegram’s proprietary servers, where they can be stored indefinitely. This setup is convenient for syncing messages across devices, but from a security standpoint, it means that you have to trust Telegram’s servers, which some see as a potential risk.

Telegram’s clash with government expectations, especially concerning moderation of illegal content, remains a hot topic of debate within tech and privacy circles. It will likely influence the future of online communication and significantly impact users, cybersecurity researchers and tech companies. It remains to be seen how Telegram handles these challenges and whether it can stay neutral under increasing pressure from regulators.