Telegram, a cloud-based social networking application has gained popularity in recent times. With WhatsApp changing its privacy policy, users have been exploring options to switch to other secure and safe social networking sites. Signal and telegram have ravaged and the most sorted options. But are they as safe and secure as being guaranteed? To understand the same, let us have a look at the privacy policy offered by Telegram.
Introduction
Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging application. It was launched in 2013. It has nearly 500 million active monthly users. Being based in Dubai & UAE, Telegram has spread its wings in almost all countries of the world. It focuses on speed, security, safety and openness. Created by two Russians, it has made its mark on the entire world.
Principles of Privacy
Telegram works on two major
privacy principles. Telegram does not filtrate and save the users data to show
advertisements to them. This makes it a relieving platform for users to
converse and uphold their privacy. Unlike Instagram and Facebook, Telegram
offers connection and conversation without interference. Telegram’s terms of
usage, including storing data only which is necessary for the proper
functioning of the application. The cloud-based messaging system and the secret
chat options make the platform more accessible. It is considered better and
more trusted in the case of privacy, because of an open API. It allows
personalized development and integration. The existing bots and the
availability of creating your API makes the application popular and engaging.
The provision of not disclosing your identity, usage of online names,
preserving your actual names and numbers makes the platform look safe and
secure for privacy reasons. Users consider it better to keep their private
information confidential till the time they decide to disclose it. The catch
lies in the fact, that all these options are available in the hands of the
user. The user needs to activate these settings and change his name from being
visible to others.
Processing of Data
Telegram uses the user’s
data, only to further its development and update its features. Basic account
details, like your name, number, mail address and profile pictures are stored
and used by the interface to create and continue using a Telegram account. The
option of secret chats, which are end to end encrypted saves the messages from
being uploaded on the cloud. While in a normal chat, and groups, all the
messages are stored, on a cloud, secret chats, prevent the storage of data that
can be interpreted by third parties. The new update allows payments through
Telegram. Payment Platform Bot circulates a credit card information form and
can be used to further data for the transfer of money from both parties. “One can control how one’s data is used (e.g.,
delete synced contacts) in Settings > Privacy & Security > Data
Settings (using one of the telegram’s mobile apps).” Self-destructing messages,
cancel send option in telegram messaging services, and non-disclosure of actual
names in the application gives the users a sense of control and safety.
Loopholes in the
Policy
However, the anonymity and
security guaranteed by Telegram might not be as staunch and as concrete as
promised. Recently in late 2020, it was discovered that the private chat
feature of Telegram was leaking data from MAC Operating System. It has been
found that telegram saves the local password in its interface for a small
amount of time. This makes the messages, audios, videos and photos vulnerable
to third party interpretation. The Secret Chat Mode leaves behind a trace that
can be used by hackers, third parties or even normal users to trace back to a
folder. This folder has all the secret chat conversations saved, they can be
easily accessed, used and later misused. The second concern with telegram’s
privacy policy is its open acceptance and portrayal of the fact that it will
save your personal information to process abusers, hackers and potential harm
causers. However, there is no clear mention of what kind of data can be
accessed, how these people are decided upon or figured out, and what process
goes on behind the curtains. Telegram mediators or moderators are allowed to
peruse standard text messages that are hailed for spam and maltreatment, to
decide if the charge is precise or not. The MT Proto used by Telegram might
sound appalling but does not guarantee the security it promises.
Misuse &
Misappropriation
Telegram has been home to a lot of misuse and infringement because of the anonymity provided. The usage of public channels, with the least or trace of identity, creates a black and dark web for movies, series or even age-inappropriate content among millennials. Youngsters flaunt the legal and emotional decency to propagate hate comments, and sexually inappropriate content as well. A lot of copyright infringement complaints have also been filed against telegram channels. Hindu Newspaper controversy and distribution being the most recent scam in India. Telegram has also come under the scrutiny of certain governments for leaking and creating a terror of security breach for the country. In 2017, some Iran opposition groups were found, restricted and eventually shut down. In April 2020 it was banned in Russia for not complying and providing end to end encryption settings. Through numerous misappropriations, Telegram has created a cyberbullying and cyber threat active space through the use of public channels. As the number is hidden, law enforcement agencies cannot create or take proper action against the monsters and users who misuse Telegram. The MT Proto system is a home-based system being used by Telegram is again questionable about its security and safety and tested options. At the same time, the on request or selective end to end encrypted message system puts the security and privacy policy of the application at stake.
Conclusion
Just like any other instant messaging networks, Telegram is also not perfect. The selective
end to end encryption along with the blank spaces in abusers and hackers interpretations puts the privacy of an individual in jeopardy. At the same
time, the non-disclosure of numbers and real names in the account makes it
difficult for the authorities to identify cyber abusers and public group
admins. Thus, the privacy policy of Telegram has its perks with huge items of
security and well-being at stake.
By: Aditi Singh
(Legal Intern,
WCSF)
For more updates, please visit our website: https://www.worldcybersecurities.com/
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