What's Going On With Telegram?
Alternate Title: Just...Don't use it...
Summary
Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app known for its speed, security, and versatility. It allows users to send text messages, multimedia files (like images, videos, and documents), and do voice or video calls. The app is designed to offer end-to-end encryption for to ensure privacy, however, if you installed the Telegram app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store (rather than sideloaded via the Telegram website), assume that none of your communications are actually end-to-end encrypted.
Recently, Telegram's CEO was arrested in France over platform-related crimes.
Breakdown
The French government bypassed usual legal channels to detain Telegram's CEO.
Telegram updated its privacy policy to comply with law enforcement data requests.
New policy allows sharing IP addresses and phone numbers with authorities.
Transparency reports will now be published quarterly instead of semiannually.
VPNs can anonymize IP addresses but not phone numbers on Telegram.
Telegram claims to employ AI tools and moderators to shut down public groups deemed illegal by respective governments and trends suggest this will extend to private groups.
Telegram has resisted government cooperation but since the CEO has been arrested now complies with French demands.
Other apps like Signal or Matrix might gain users due to Telegram’s changes.