Is Telegram Safe to Use?

[adlergates]

I've been hearing a lot about Telegram as a messaging app, but I’m not sure how secure or private it really is. Is Telegram safe to use, especially when it comes to personal chats and data protection? Can someone explain its safety features and any potential risks I should be aware of?

 

[robbin]

Telegram is reasonably safe for everyday chats when you use built‑in features like two‑factor authentication and self‑destructing messages. However, default chats are not end‑to‑end encrypted, unlike “Secret Chats,” which offer full E2EE and privacy from Telegram itself. Telegram also faces criticism for loose content moderation and metadata logging that can expose user data or aid surveillance.

 

[Shanewarne]

Telegram is safe for general use, but regular chats aren't end-to-end encrypted. Use Secret Chats for better privacy, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid unknown links or bots to stay secure.

 

[davidcharlie]

Telegram is generally safe with end-to-end encryption for secret chats. However, regular chats are not encrypted by default. Users should be cautious about sharing sensitive information, as Telegram’s openness may expose users to risks. Enabling security features like two-factor authentication is recommended.

 

[peterkavinsky]

Telegram is generally safe due to encryption and privacy features, but for maximum security, use Secret Chats and be cautious with unknown links or files.

 

[Smith]

Telegram is generally considered safe due to its encryption features, cloud-based storage, and privacy controls. It offers end-to-end encryption in “Secret Chats,” self-destructing messages, and two-step verification. However, regular chats are only server-side encrypted, and public groups can expose you to scams or malicious content, so it’s important to use caution and adjust privacy settings for maximum security.

 

[jessicabell]

Telegram is generally considered safe with strong encryption for private chats. However, its security depends on settings—Secret Chats are end-to-end encrypted, while regular chats are not. Always stay cautious with unknown contacts.

 

[rathore]

Telegram is fairly secure in the context of normal conversation as long as you operate in-built security measures in the form of two-factor authentication and self-destructing messages. Nonetheless, default chats are not E2E-encrypted such as the Secret Chats, which provide complete E2EE and privacy against even Telegram proper. Another complaint with Telegram is lax content control and metadata retention that could leak user information or facilitate tracking.

 

[Mayank Sharma]

Telegram is generally safe due to its encryption, privacy controls, and secret chats. However, it’s not fully end-to-end encrypted by default. Users should enable extra security settings and stay cautious with unknown links or suspicious messages.