Telegram is one of the popular messaging apps when other apps are scaling down the free features.

Data Security

 Lets understand how chat data is stored on Telegram servers in a layman's language.

There are two main types of chats on Telegram: cloud chats and secret chats. Cloud chats exist between you and other Telegram users (including public groups or channels) and are not end-to-end encrypted. Secret chats are never uploaded to a server and are end-to-end encrypted between the sender and the recipient.

 Telegram states that cloud chats are “stored heavily encrypted and the encryption keys in each case are stored in several other data centers in different jurisdictions” in a bid to protect your privacy. Without end-to-end encryption (where only the sender and the recipient can decrypt messages),  your chats can potentially be intercepted, even if they’re encrypted on a server or in an app.

 What happens when you delete a message ?

 You can only delete messages that you’ve sent from everyone’s devices within 48 hours of sending them. After this, you can still delete a message, but it will remain on both the server and the recipients’ devices. If the recipients also delete the message, then it’s gone forever.

 You can then choose between “Delete for me” and “Delete for everyone,” or whoever it is you’re talking to.

New Features introduced recently - 

   Last month, Google Meet limited its free group calls to 60 minutes. That could be annoying if you’re watching a show or a movie with friends. Meanwhile Telegram has added video calls with up to 1000 viewers, video messages 2.0, video playback speed and  making it an alternative for  Google Meet and Zoom video calls. 

How Telegram can be used for larger groups ?

I have seen examples in India where political parties have created their channels with larger audience and they share their leaders views and memes through these telegram groups/channnels.

In Corporate companies, thereare many examples when Telegram was used for Covid Support and Helpline. Even Bangalore Muncipal Coporation  started a helpline to answer queries to citizens.

Government's can utilize Telegram app to create helpline and support groups for any region and ethnic group at free of charge.

Limitations of Telegram Group Calls-

There are some limitations to Telegram group calls. You’ll have to organize all calls on your phone, and unlike Google Meet, there’s no link to share. If you want to participate in a call as a broadcaster or a viewer, you’ll have to be part of that Telegram group.

Article updated at 02-08-2021 15:44