Encryption: These chats (your regular one-on-one chats, group chats, and channels) are client-to-server encrypted. This means your messages are encrypted when they leave your device, travel to Telegram's servers, and are then encrypted again when they travel from Telegram's servers to the recipient's device.
Data Storage: These messages are stored on Telegram's cloud servers. access your full chat history from multiple devices (phone, tablet, desktop) and sync your data seamlessly.
Can Telegram Staff See Them? This is the hotly debated point. Telegram states that their cloud chats are not end-to-end encrypted by default, meaning theoretically Telegram (or venezuela whatsapp number data someone with access to their servers) could access these messages if compelled or if there was a server breach. However, Telegram's official FAQ and public statements emphasize that they have a strong stance against mass surveillance and have historically not disclosed message content to third parties, including governments. Their servers are decentralized globally to resist single-point government pressure.
Recent News/Controversy (TechGig, September 2024; TechRadar, April 2025):
There was a misleading headline from September 2024 (TechGig) stating "Telegram ends encryption for personal chats amid criminal activity allegations," which was incorrect. Telegram clarified that they did not remove encryption for personal chats. The ongoing discussion revolves around whether default chats should be end-to-end encrypted and if governments can compel access. Pavel Durov, Telegram's CEO, has repeatedly stated (as recently as April 2025) that Telegram would rather exit a market than "undermine encryption with backdoors," reaffirming a commitment to users' privacy. However, it's also been reported (Wikipedia, Q1-Q3 2024 data) that Telegram has disclosed IP addresses and phone numbers in response to valid legal requests, particularly in countries like Brazil and India, though they maintain they have never disclosed message content itself.