Improve Telegram article

telegram/index.md

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ gitea_url: "http://git.nowherejezfoltodf4jiyl6r56jnzintap5vyjlia7fkirfsnfizflqd.
 xmr: 4AVrC3LT4Ad7DCK5L8MDfWfMeiTqDYJnWDAKGE1jJNbn7pBmFGay81C5sKcci9pwkXRRBexM5JKyVUTEPWvvZTAJ3WeAAex
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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
+core components are **controlled by a single company** that can be
-comply with authorities. In August 2024, Telegram CEO was arrested by
+easily forced to comply with authorities. In August 2024, Telegram CEO
-French authorities who demanded information on users of the app. He gave
+was arrested by French authorities who demanded information on users of
-in, showing the world that your private conversation, phone number, IP
+the app. He gave in, showing the world that your private conversation,
-address, pictures and so on are not safe.
+phone number, IP address, pictures and so on are not safe.
 
-A big problem is that messages on Telegram aren't encrypted by default,
+Telegram's funding depends on paid subscriptions and ads. Who can assure
-so users are an easy prey. They could start a "secret chat", but that
+you that in the future they will not expand their revenue streams by
-feature is not available on desktop or web clients and would surely
+offering you ads based on the things you send or training AI?
-raise suspicion. The problem with optional privacy is that it makes
+
-users who opt out stand out in the crowd.
+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
+easily linked to your real identity. As a workaround, you could use a
-a burner phone. Even then, you would have to be technologically savvy to
+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
+The most bullet-proof method to protect your identity is [to pay for a
-anonymity, so it can only be used for public use. If someone invites you
+remote SMS verification with Monero](http://blog.nowherejezfoltodf4jiyl6r56jnzintap5vyjlia7fkirfsnfizflqd.onion/opsec/anonsms/).
-to use Telegram to discuss sensitive topics, refuse. Instead tell them
+If you fear that Telegram might ask you for verification again and you
-to do it in person or use an open source, decentralized and anonymous
+want to keep using the same Telegram account, you should consider
-alternative such as SimpleX.
+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