In today's digital age, instant messaging has become the primary mode of communication for most people. While
there are numerous messengers out there, Telegram has been gaining popularity as one of the most privacy-forward
messaging apps focusing on security.
Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging app launched in 2013 by brothers Nikolai and Pavel Durov. The app is
free to download and use and is available across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android,
and iOS.
Features of Telegram
Telegram’s core functionality is the same as that of most similar apps: it allows you to message other Telegram
users, make voice and video calls, create group conversations, share files and stickers, etc. However, Telegram
also boasts some additional features that make it stand out. Let’s take a look at them:
- End-to-end encryption
One of the primary reasons for Telegram's popularity is its end-to-end encryption feature, which ensures that messages and calls are secure and can only be accessed by the intended recipient. It should be noted, however, that Telegram only uses this end-to-end – or client-client – encryption by default in calls and secret chats, while regular private and group chats are only protected by server-client encryption. - Self-destruct timers
Messages in secret chats can be programmed to self-destruct automatically after a specified time, meaning that you don’t need to worry about deleting them manually at a later time. After the message is received, it will remain in the chat for a predetermined period before disappearing. You can choose the most convenient time limit: 1 to 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 1 hour, 1 day, or 1 week. - Cloud access
Telegram allows users to store their messages, photos, and files on a secure server – the cloud – which means that you can access them from any connected device by logging into your account. Apart from that, Telegram allows users to upload large files, each up to 2 GB in size, and enjoy unlimited storage in the cloud. - Group chats and channels
Telegram also supports group chats with up to 200,000 members, making it a useful tool for businesses, communities, and organizations. Telegram's channels feature allows users to broadcast messages to an unlimited number of subscribers, which is helpful for content creators, media outlets, and businesses. - Bots
Telegram bots are programs designed to automate certain tasks or provide services to users. Bots can perform a wide range of functions, from simple tasks like providing weather updates or translating languages, to more complex actions such as managing social media accounts or automating business processes. One of the main advantages of using Telegram bots is that they are highly customizable and can be tailored to meet specific needs or use cases.
Overall, Telegram is a versatile messaging app that offers advanced security features, cloud-based storage,
group chats, channels, and bots. While it may not be as widely used as some other similar apps, Telegram's
popularity is steadily growing among users who value privacy, security, and flexibility.
