Improve Telegram article

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Jorge Maldonado Ventura 2025-06-06 10:35:56 +02:00
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@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ gitea_url: "http://git.nowherejezfoltodf4jiyl6r56jnzintap5vyjlia7fkirfsnfizflqd.
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# Why can't you use Telegram privately
# Why can't you use Telegram to chat anonymously
![](1.png)
@ -19,33 +19,48 @@ other serious issues that compromise your privacy.
Only the Telegram client code is open source, but that code is useless
without the back-end closed-source programs and infrastructure. Those
core components are **controlled by a single company** that can be forced to
comply with authorities. In August 2024, Telegram CEO was arrested by
French authorities who demanded information on users of the app. He gave
in, showing the world that your private conversation, phone number, IP
address, pictures and so on are not safe.
core components are **controlled by a single company** that can be
easily forced to comply with authorities. In August 2024, Telegram CEO
was arrested by French authorities who demanded information on users of
the app. He gave in, showing the world that your private conversation,
phone number, IP address, pictures and so on are not safe.
A big problem is that messages on Telegram aren't encrypted by default,
so users are an easy prey. They could start a "secret chat", but that
feature is not available on desktop or web clients and would surely
raise suspicion. The problem with optional privacy is that it makes
users who opt out stand out in the crowd.
Telegram's funding depends on paid subscriptions and ads. Who can assure
you that in the future they will not expand their revenue streams by
offering you ads based on the things you send or training AI?
What prevents Telegram employees, hackers or government agents from
reading your messages? Nothing. Messages on Telegram aren't encrypted by
default, so users are in the buff. Sure, They could start a "secret
chat", but that feature is not available on desktop or web clients and
would surely raise suspicion. Optional privacy makes users who opt in
stand out in the crowd.
![](2.png)
## You will be tracked
Better forget it if you want to be anonymous on Telegram. Before you
can even start chatting you must provide a phone number, which can be
easily linked to your real identity. The only workaround would be to use
a burner phone. Even then, you would have to be technologically savvy to
easily linked to your real identity. As a workaround, you could use a
burner phone. But even then you would have to be technologically savvy to
install a privacy-respecting open source mobile operating system and
avoid being tracked by cellphone networks. Using a pseudonym and
avoiding sharing personal information would be pointless at that point.
In short, it is practically impossible to use Telegram with privacy or
anonymity, so it can only be used for public use. If someone invites you
to use Telegram to discuss sensitive topics, refuse. Instead tell them
to do it in person or use an open source, decentralized and anonymous
alternative such as SimpleX.
The most bullet-proof method to protect your identity is [to pay for a
remote SMS verification with Monero](http://blog.nowherejezfoltodf4jiyl6r56jnzintap5vyjlia7fkirfsnfizflqd.onion/opsec/anonsms/).
If you fear that Telegram might ask you for verification again and you
want to keep using the same Telegram account, you should consider
renting a non-VoIP number.
In short, using Telegram with privacy or anonymity is overly
complicated, so it's only recommended for public use. If someone invites
you to use Telegram to discuss sensitive topics, avoid entering the
lion's den. Instead tell them to do it in person or use an open source,
decentralized and anonymous alternative such as Briar or SimpleX.
![](3.png)
## Why SimpleX