Last update Jan. 26, 2025
How to protect myself?
Take proactive steps to secure your Telegram account and data.
- Enable two-step verification for added security
- Use Secret Chats for sensitive conversations
- Review privacy settings to limit data visibility
- Be cautious about joining public groups and channels
What data are collected?
Telegram collects minimal personal data but stores metadata such as contact lists and device information.
- Phone number and profile details
- Contacts and groups you join
- Device and connection information
- Chat metadata (timestamps, participants)
How are my data used?
Telegram uses your data to provide messaging services, security features, and improve user experience.
- Used for contact synchronization and recommendations
- Analyzed to detect spam and abuse
- Stored to provide cloud-based chat access across devices
What happens when I sign up?
When you sign up for Telegram, your phone number is required, and your contacts are synced to check for existing users.
- Phone number is required for registration
- Your contacts are scanned for Telegram users
- Basic profile information is created
How can I delete my data?
You can delete your Telegram account via settings, which removes your messages and profile data.
- Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Delete Account
- Your messages and account data will be permanently deleted
- Some metadata may persist for legal purposes
Historical privacy concerns
Telegram has faced criticism for its lack of transparency and potential government access.
- Reports of government tracking Telegram users
- Concerns about metadata retention policies
- Security flaws reported in public chat encryption
How does AI personalize my experience?
Telegram's AI algorithms offer content suggestions and optimize app performance.
- Suggested channels and groups based on interests
- Smart notifications based on chat activity
- Enhanced search functionality using AI models
Is my data used to train AI models?
Telegram claims that personal chats are not used for AI training, but public content may be analyzed.
- Private chats are not used for AI purposes
- Public groups and channels may contribute to AI models
- Data may be analyzed to improve service performance
Does this service use AI?
Telegram uses AI for spam detection, channel recommendations, and automated moderation.
- AI detects spam and suspicious activity
- Recommendation algorithms suggest groups and channels
- Automated moderation for large public groups
What security standards does this service use?
Telegram uses encryption and cloud-based storage, but only Secret Chats offer end-to-end encryption.
- Cloud chats are encrypted but stored on Telegram's servers
- Secret Chats offer end-to-end encryption for privacy
- Two-step verification enhances account security
How does Telegram handle government data requests?
Telegram claims not to provide data to governments unless legally required, but policies may vary by region.
- Minimal user data is collected and shared
- Refuses to cooperate with censorship requests
- Authorities may access metadata in some jurisdictions
How is my data protected from breaches?
Telegram employs encryption and security measures, but past incidents highlight potential risks.
- Encrypted cloud storage for non-Secret Chats
- Regular security audits and updates
- Vulnerabilities have been reported in the past