Telegram Bots and Data Collection: Are You at Risk?

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Telegram bots offer a vast array of functionalities, from automating tasks and moderating groups to providing news updates and even facilitating e-commerce. While these bots enhance the Telegram experience, it's crucial for users to understand their data collection practices and potential risks to their privacy. Unlike regular Telegram chats, which can be end-to-end encrypted (in Secret Chats), interactions with bots are not end-to-end encrypted by default. This means that the bot developer, and potentially Telegram itself, can access the content of your conversations with a bot.

When you interact with a Telegram bot, it receives certain telegram data information. By default, bots can access your user ID, first name, and username (if you have one set). In group chats, if "Privacy Mode" is off for the bot, it can read all messages within the group. However, if Privacy Mode is enabled (which is the default for new bots in groups), the bot only receives messages explicitly addressed to it (e.g., using a command like /start@botname) or replies to its own messages. Bots generally cannot access your phone number or email address unless you explicitly share that information with them. They also cannot access your full contact list or read your private chats with other users.

The primary risk concerning data collection by Telegram bots lies with the third-party developers who create and operate them. Telegram provides the Bot API, but the data processing and storage practices are entirely up to the individual bot developer. A malicious bot developer could, for instance:

Log and store your conversations: While Telegram's infrastructure provides some security, the bot developer could be logging every message you send to their bot, along with your user ID, for their own purposes.
Request sensitive information: A bot might ask for personal details like your address, financial information, or even passwords, under the guise of providing a service. This data could then be misused or sold.
Phishing and malware distribution: Bots can be used to send malicious links that lead to phishing websites designed to steal your credentials or to distribute malware that infects your device. Recent reports highlight instances where threat actors use Telegram bots as command-and-control centers for infostealer malware.
Misuse of shared data: If you upload files, images, or provide location data to a bot, the developer has access to this information and could potentially misuse it.
Telegram's official policy states that bot developers are responsible for handling and storing any data provided to them. Telegram also mandates that developers follow strict Terms of Service regarding data handling. However, they cannot guarantee that all developers will comply.

To mitigate risks:

Be cautious about the bots you use: Stick to bots from reputable sources, those with a large user base, or those officially recommended by trusted communities.
Read the bot's privacy policy: If available, check the bot's privacy policy to understand what data it collects, how it's used, and for how long it's stored.
Limit shared information: Avoid sharing sensitive personal or financial information with bots unless absolutely necessary and you fully trust the developer.
Be wary of suspicious links: Never click on links provided by unfamiliar bots or those that seem too good to be true.
Understand bot permissions: Be aware of what permissions a bot has, especially if it's in a group. If "Privacy Mode" is disabled, consider if you're comfortable with the bot reading all group messages.
Report suspicious bots: If you encounter a bot that behaves maliciously or requests excessive personal information, report it to Telegram.
While Telegram bots offer convenience, a healthy dose of skepticism and vigilance is essential. Understanding what data bots can access and the responsibility of their developers is key to protecting your privacy in the Telegram ecosystem.