TELEGRAM is one of the world’s most popular chat apps – but who owns it, and is it safe?
Here’s a quick guide to Telegram, if you’re considering switching from WhatsApp.
2
What is Telegram?
Telegram is a popular and totally free instant messaging app.
It’s an alternative to apps like WhatsApp, Signal, Facebook Messenger and iMessage.
The service offers encrypted messaging and calling, as well as other features like voice messaging and animated stickers.
Telegram has seen a surge in users recently, thanks to an exodus from WhatsApp over new terms and conditions.
2
According to Telegram, it gained 25million new users over 72 hours.
That brings its total user numbers to a staggering 500million
Who owns Telegram?
Telegram was founded by brothers Nikolai and Pavel Durov in 2013.
The brothers also previously founded Russian social network (and Facebook rival) VK, but eventually left.
Durov funded the app, with partner Axel Neff (an American who also worked at VK) joining as a co-founder too.
The company began operations in Russia, but eventually moved to being headquartered in Berlin, Germany.
According to reports, Durov’s team is now based in Dubai and Saint Petersburg.
Is Telegram safe?
Telegram has many of the hallmarks of a secure app, including end-to-end encrypted chat and call sessions.
And its founder Durov talks big on privacy.
“People no longer want to exchange their privacy for free service,” he recently wrote.
“They no longer want to be held hostage by tech monopolies that seem to think they can get away with anything as long as their apps have a critical mass of users.
“With half a billion active users and accelerating growth, Telegram has become the largest refuge for those seeking a communication platform committed to privacy and security.
“We take this responsibility very seriously. We won’t let you down.”
These are encouraging words, but it’s always important to remember that no app is ever totally safe.
Even the very best apps with the most secure systems can’t guarantee total privacy.
Hackers are getting increasingly sophisticated in their attacks.
And even if a system can’t be compromised, the people behind those systems could be.
So it’s always worth trying to limit any sensitive material being placed online, especially when you’re sending it to other people.
Facebook is sued over ‘illegal monopoly’ claims and told to sell off Instagram and WhatsApp by US gov
ENOUGH TALK
How to download WhatsApp chat history and delete your account
I-HELP
Samsung’s ROBOT butler lays your table, pours you a beer and cleans the dishes after
ZOOM OUT
Genius Zoom app lets you fake a bad connection to avoid boring work calls
HIGH SPEED
Virgin Media launches WiFi pods to boost web speeds in household blackspots
MINI ME
Cheap new ‘small’ iPhone ‘coming in APRIL’ for under £400, insiders claim
OFFLINE
People desert WhatsApp over fears personal data will now be shared with Facebook
In other news, OnePlus has revealed its first fitness tracker and it’s packed with interesting features.
A WhatsApp bug could let total strangers join your group chats and steal your phone number.
And, Donald Trump has banned eight major Chinese apps from operating in the United States as part of efforts to protect national security.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at [email protected]
This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
