Users can also set a “self-destruct” timer on secret chats. This data isn’t stored anywhere apart from the sender’s and receiver’s device. When this is enabled, the communication between two users becomes end-to-end encrypted. This data could be decrypted, although doing so would be difficult.īut Telegram does offer another layer of security through its “ secret chat” feature. These centres are controlled by legal entities in various jurisdictions, and subject to the laws of those jurisdictions. The data is stored (albeit in an encrypted form) on the cloud, and distributed across multiple data centres throughout the world. However, while both public and private communications on Telegram are encrypted, the default encryption setting is not end-to-end encryption, and instead happens on a client/server basis. Through these groups and channels, organisations can reach hundreds of thousands of people with messages and audio/video live streaming – all of which is encrypted and stored on the Telegram “cloud”. It facilitates public and private groups of up to 200,000 users (where individuals can send messages and interact), and channels (which allow one-way broadcasting to channel subscribers). Telegram has several key features that make it an appealing option for communications relating to the war. It has even been a go-to point of contact for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Now Telegram is providing some clarity in a foggy environment of (mostly Russian) disinformation. The platform was first created in 2013 by Russian-born tech entrepreneur Pavel Durov – a figure who has butted heads with the increasingly authoritarian Russian state on numerous occasions. It’s a free cloud-based app that allows users to send and receive messages, calls, photos, videos, audio and other files. Telegram is one of the most popular social apps in Ukraine and Russia, and has been since before the invasion began. But what is it about Telegram that has millions flocking to it amid the chaos?įake viral footage is spreading alongside the real horror in Ukraine. The instant messaging app Telegram has surfaced as one of the most important channels through which to do so.

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