3.5 KiB
| author | date | gitea_url | xmr |
|---|---|---|---|
| jorgesumle | 2025-05-28 | http://git.nowherejezfoltodf4jiyl6r56jnzintap5vyjlia7fkirfsnfizflqd.onion/nihilist/blog-contributions/issues/277 | 4AVrC3LT4Ad7DCK5L8MDfWfMeiTqDYJnWDAKGE1jJNbn7pBmFGay81C5sKcci9pwkXRRBexM5JKyVUTEPWvvZTAJ3WeAAex |
Why can't you use Telegram to chat anonymously
Telegram dangerously gives some people a false sense of privacy that is in no way warranted. This is mainly due to misleading advertising: Telegram claims to be open source and end-to-end encrypted. Even if these deceptive statements were truth, the popular messaging app has other serious issues that compromise your privacy.
Closed-source, centralized and not encrypted: a privacy nightmare
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 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.
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.
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. 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.
The most bullet-proof method to protect your identity is to pay for a remote SMS verification with Monero. 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.
Why SimpleX
Unlike Telegram, SimpleX does not require users to provide a phone number. It is designed with strong privacy and security features, ensuring that your messages remain confidential and are not stored on any central server. It offers end-to-end encryption and minimal metadata collection, making it a robust choice for those who prioritize privacy and security in their communications. If you want to achieve secure, decentralized, and privacy-focused communication, SimpleX is a great option.