These days, online users are increasingly seeking messaging applications that provide end-to-end encryption, allowing them to communicate without the prying eyes of governments and other interested parties. This feature has become a significant selling point for major companies like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram.
WhatsApp, owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), proudly offers end-to-end encryption by default for all conversations. However, the same cannot be said for Telegram. A closer look reveals some important distinctions.
Focusing on Telegram, it’s essential to note that many users engaged in questionable activities tend to favor this platform. However, by default, Telegram does not provide encrypted conversations for all chats—it employs a workaround.
Regular chats on Telegram lack encryption; only those initiated with the “Secret Chat” feature are encrypted. Unfortunately, this option is not prominently displayed, making it less accessible. Users who believe all their conversations are private or secure may be under a false impression, so it’s crucial to review the service’s settings to ensure adequate protection.
Without proper encryption, law enforcement can easily monitor conversations, potentially leading to legal consequences for activities like trafficking, child exploitation, and malware distribution. It’s important to note that non-encrypted chats are stored on Telegram’s servers and can be accessed as soon as users sign in. In contrast, messages designated as “Secret Chats” are stored only on the user’s device, a claim made by the company on its website.
Ad