Is Telegram Safe?
TL;DR
Hell no! Basically not safe.
Communication Security?
Communication is very secure. Based on key-based and peculiar Russian encryption solutions. Its network transmission security level is extremely high. So, people at the carrier level cannot see any of your actions or comments.
Data Security
In reality: Very unsafe.
- Group chat history: Once you join a group, data can be monitored seamlessly.
- Private chat history: If not deleted, it's permanently stored.
- Encrypted peer-to-peer chat: Same, if not deleted, it's permanently stored.
In short, Telegram's core strength is in the network layer, which is rock solid. However, since it's an open platform and generously provides massive storage, your data within it is basically traceable and readable internally.
How to Be Secure
First, the above complaints are based on Telegram's default configuration. If you:
- Only use private groups.
- Strictly control group member entry/exit.
- Don't use third-party bots, create all bots yourself.
- Control chat history retention time and duration.
- Use encryption for peer-to-peer communication.
Then, Telegram's security level rises dramatically, living up to its external reputation.
Personal Information Security
Due to TG's strange requirement for phone numbers and being open source, any programmer with sufficient resources can track and obtain all your TG-related communication data linked to your phone number.
So, use 888 virtual numbers ($800?) or just buy an account. (There should be an affiliate link here, but lazy MiHa always postpones building his shop)
Account Security
Due to the excellent multi-point login technology... well, it's not very secure. Pay attention to strange "active devices" you don't recognize. If it's not yours, kick it out immediately. Remember, they can kick you out in 24 hours...
See: https://miha.uk/docs/tutor/telegram-session-to-urlapi-tool-client/ multi-point login section.
Details: https://miha.uk/docs/knowledge/Telegram-Keep-Account-Safe/