How Secure is Telegram? A Deep Dive into the Messaging App's Privacy
Let's unpack the tech behind those "private" chats.
With Telegram's CEO arrested in France, I got curious: How secure is Telegram, really?
Let's unpack the tech behind those "private" chats.
Telegram's chat types: What you need to know
When you start a new chat on Telegram:
🟠 By default, you get:
Regular private messages
Group chats
Channels
These are NOT end-to-end encrypted
🟢 You have to manually choose:
"Secret Chats" for one-on-one convos
This is the ONLY option with end-to-end encryption
Most users never switch to Secret Chats. Let's see why this matters.
Telegram's two encryption methods :
1️⃣ Default encryption (what most people use):
Uses MTProto, Telegram's custom protocol
Messages are encrypted... but Telegram has the keys
Telegram can read your messages if they want to
2️⃣ Secret Chats encryption:
Uses improved MTProto 2.0
True end-to-end encryption
Only you and the recipient have the keys
Telegram can't read these messages
The takeaway? Unless you're actively using Secret Chats, your Telegram messages aren't really private. So what's wrong with server encryption, it still is encryption right?
The problem with Telegram's default encryption:
Messages are encrypted between you and Telegram's servers
BUT Telegram holds the encryption keys
This means:
Telegram can decrypt and read your messages anytime
Your privacy relies on trusting Telegram won't abuse this access
Compare this to true end-to-end encryption:
Even the service provider can't read your messages
Your chats are private, period.
Bottom line: With Telegram's default, you're trusting them with your privacy. With true E2E, you don't have to trust anyone.
Why Telegram's encryption approach matters:
Government requests:
Telegram could be forced to hand over your messages
With true E2E, this wouldn't be possible
Data breaches:
If hackers breach Telegram's servers, your chats could be exposed
E2E encryption would protect you even if servers were compromised
Trust issues:
You're betting Telegram won't misuse your data
But why take that risk when other apps offer real privacy?
The big question: Do you trust Telegram with your private conversations? Let's have a look at other messaging apps.
Comparison with other messaging apps:
Signal:
Open-source protocol developed by cryptography expert Moxie Marlinspike
Used by WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger (secret convos), and Google (encrypted RCS)
E2E encryption by default for all chats
Minimizes metadata collection
Non-profit organization, focused on privacy
WhatsApp:
Uses Signal Protocol for E2E encryption
E2E encryption by default since 2016
Owned by Meta, raising some trust concerns
iMessage:
Apple's proprietary E2E encryption
E2E encrypted by default since 2011
Limited to Apple devices
Key point: These apps use E2E by default, unlike Telegram. But remember: even with E2E, apps may still collect metadata (who you talk to, when, etc.). This is also a privacy concern.
Conclusion: Telegram's security reality
Telegram's security isn't as straightforward as it seems:
Default chats aren't truly private
Only "Secret Chats" offer real E2E encryption
Other major apps (Signal, WhatsApp, iMessage) use E2E by default
The arrest of Telegram's CEO highlights the complex balance between privacy and accountability.
About the CEO's arrest
Pavel Durov faces charges in France for:
Failure to moderate illegal content
Alleged hosting of:
Drug trafficking
Child sexual abuse material
Fraud on the platform
This case highlights the complex balance between user privacy and platform accountability. It also raises questions: How much access should governments have to our communications? Can strong encryption coexist with effective moderation?
What now?
Check your Telegram settings. Are you using Secret Chats when needed?
Consider alternatives like Signal for sensitive conversations
Stay informed about the privacy policies of your messaging apps
What do you think? Is Telegram secure enough for you? Share this article to spread awareness! 🔁 Drop a comment with your thoughts 💭
Interesting sources:
Detailed technical breakdown of Telegram's encryption by a cryptography expert
In-depth look at Durov's arrest and Telegram's content moderation challenges
Explores the legal implications of holding tech CEOs accountable for platform content