In an age where digital communication is central to our personal and professional lives, privacy and security are more important than ever. With the surge in cyber threats, surveillance, and data breaches, users are increasingly drawn to messaging apps that promise strong security. One such app that has gained immense popularity in recent years is Telegram. Known for its speed, cloud-based messaging, and large group capabilities, Telegram also touts its secure messaging features. But how secure is Telegram? In this article, we explore the various aspects of Telegram’s secure messaging, its core features, its cryptographic structure, and the debates surrounding its privacy practices.
What is Telegram?
Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app founded in 2013 by Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov. It allows users to send text messages, multimedia files, make voice and video calls, and host massive group chats with up to 200,000 members. The app is available on all major platforms—iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux—offering seamless synchronization across devices.
Telegram gained widespread attention for its speed, scalability, and, most importantly, its claim to prioritize user privacy and security. With over 800 million active users as of early 2025, Telegram is one of the most downloaded messaging apps globally.
Telegram’s Secure Messaging Features
Telegram offers several features that are marketed as secure, including:
1. End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)
One of the most important aspects of secure messaging is end-to-end encryption. This ensures that only the sender and recipient can read the message—no one else, not even the service provider.
Telegram does not use end-to-end encryption by default in standard chats. Instead, it uses server-client encryption for cloud chats, which allows messages to be stored on Telegram’s servers and synced across devices. While these messages are encrypted, Telegram holds the keys to decrypt them.
However, Telegram does offer Secret Chats, which are end-to-end encrypted and can only be accessed on the devices where they were initiated. These chats support self-destructing messages and do not leave any trace on Telegram’s servers.
2. MTProto Protocol
Telegram uses its encryption protocol known as MTProto (Mobile Protocol), which is designed to combine speed with security. The MTProto 2.0 version is currently used and includes:
- Client-server/server-client encryption for cloud chats.
- End-to-end encryption for Secret Chats.
- Use of AES-256 encryption, RSA-2048 encryption, and Diffie–Hellman secure key exchange.
While Telegram claims MTProto is secure and fast, it has faced criticism from some cryptographers for not being peer-reviewed as rigorously as more established protocols like Signal’s Double Ratchet algorithm.
3. Self-Destructive Messages and Media
In Secret Chats, Telegram users can set timers for messages and media to self-destruct after being read. This adds an extra layer of privacy, especially for sensitive communications.
4. Two-Step Verification
Telegram offers two-step verification (2FA), requiring a password in addition to the SMS code. This helps secure accounts even if the SMS code is intercepted.
5. Passcode Lock and Biometric Security
Users can lock the app with a passcode or biometric authentication, preventing unauthorized access to the app and its contents.
The Pros of Using Telegram for Secure Messaging
1. Enhanced Privacy Controls
Telegram provides options such as hiding your phone number, setting who can see your last seen status, and controlling who can add you to groups. These features help protect user identity and limit exposure.
2. Open Source Code
Telegram’s client-side code is open-source, which allows independent developers to inspect the code for vulnerabilities. However, the server-side code remains proprietary, meaning the encryption process on Telegram’s servers isn’t fully transparent.
3. Large Group and Broadcast Features
Unlike many other secure messaging apps, Telegram supports supergroups and channels, making it ideal for communities and content creators who want privacy while managing large audiences.
4. Cross-Platform Synchronization
Thanks to its cloud-based architecture, Telegram can be accessed from multiple devices simultaneously. This is convenient, though it does mean that message content (except in Secret Chats) is stored on Telegram’s servers.
The Cons and Controversies
Despite its robust features, Telegram has been at the center of several controversies:
1. Encryption Not Enabled by Default
Unlike Signal or WhatsApp, Telegram does not enable end-to-end encryption by default. Regular cloud chats are encrypted between the user and Telegram servers, but Telegram can technically access those messages.
2. Proprietary Server-Side Code
Security experts often criticize Telegram for keeping its server-side code private. Without full transparency, it is difficult to verify whether messages are being handled securely on Telegram’s infrastructure.
3. Use by Extremist Groups
Telegram’s privacy protections and loose content moderation have made it a haven for some extremist and criminal groups. While Telegram has taken steps to remove terrorist content, critics argue that its features can be exploited for illicit activities.
4. Target of Government Scrutiny
Several governments have attempted to ban or restrict Telegram for refusing to hand over encryption keys or comply with surveillance demands. While this underscores Telegram’s resistance to censorship, it also raises questions about how it balances privacy with legal obligations.
Telegram vs. Other Secure Messaging Apps
When compared with other messaging apps that focus on security, Telegram occupies a unique position:
| Feature | Telegram | Signal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| End-to-End Encryption | Only in Secret Chats | Default for all chats | Default for all chats |
| Open Source | Partially (client-side only) | Fully | Partially |
| Group Size Limit | 200,000+ | 1,000 | 1,024 |
| Cloud Sync | Yes | No | Yes |
| Self-Destructing Messages | Yes | Yes | Yes |
While Signal is often praised as the gold standard for secure messaging due to its open-source end-to-end encryption model, Telegram offers a broader feature set and better scalability, albeit with some security trade-offs.
Final Thoughts: Is Telegram Truly Secure?
The answer depends on how you’re using it. If you’re using Telegram for general conversations and you’re relying solely on regular cloud chats, your messages are encrypted—but not end-to-end encrypted. That means Telegram can technically access the message content if required by law enforcement or if its servers are compromised.
However, if you’re using Secret Chats, Telegram offers strong end-to-end encryption and additional privacy features such as message self-destruction, which makes it a suitable option for private, sensitive communications.
Ultimately, Telegram’s secure messaging is a mixed bag. It offers powerful tools, user-friendly interfaces, and advanced privacy controls, but its proprietary server architecture and selective use of end-to-end encryption leave room for scrutiny.
For users who value privacy and security, understanding these nuances is key to making an informed decision. Telegram is not the most secure messaging app by default, but used correctly—with Secret Chats and 2FA enabled—it can be a valuable tool for private communication.
Sarah is an aspiring copywriter with an obsession for SEO, Passionate for exploring the new marketing tactics and enjoys reading fiction and contemporary.