What Does Telegram Know About You?
Posted: Mon May 26, 2025 5:34 am
Telegram is often marketed as a secure, privacy-focused messaging app. With over 900 million users worldwide, it’s become a go-to platform for those seeking alternatives to mainstream apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. But how private is Telegram really, and what information does it collect about you?
1. Basic Account Information
When you sign up for Telegram, the app requires telegram data your phone number. This is the first and most basic piece of personal data Telegram collects. While you can hide your number from other users through privacy settings, Telegram itself still has access to it. Along with your phone number, the app collects your name, profile picture, username, and bio—if you choose to provide them.
2. Contacts and Communication
Telegram requests access to your phone contacts to help you connect with others using the app. If granted, it uploads your contact list to its servers, keeping track of who you might know. This synchronization helps Telegram notify you when someone you know joins the platform, but it also means Telegram has a detailed map of your social network—even people you haven’t messaged yet.
Telegram stores your chat metadata, such as timestamps, recipient information, and group activity. While Telegram claims not to use this data for advertising or profiling, the information exists on its servers and could be subject to government requests or data breaches.
3. Cloud Chats and Messages
Unlike some encrypted messengers, Telegram’s standard (or “cloud”) chats are not end-to-end encrypted. These messages are stored on Telegram's servers, allowing you to access them from multiple devices. While Telegram claims these are encrypted between you and its servers, the company ultimately controls the encryption keys. This means they could access your messages if required.
However, Telegram does offer Secret Chats, which are end-to-end encrypted and not stored in the cloud. These chats can only be accessed on the devices where they were started. Still, secret chats are not enabled by default, and many users may never use them.
4. Usage Data and Analytics
Telegram collects data on how you use the app—such as how often you log in, the features you use (like voice chats or bots), and which stickers or emojis are popular. This kind of analytical data helps improve user experience but also gives Telegram insight into your behavior on the platform.
5. Location and Media Metadata
If you share your location with someone, Telegram receives that data. Media files—like photos and videos—may contain metadata such as the time taken or location, unless you strip that information beforehand.
Conclusion
Telegram collects more data than some users might expect from a “privacy-focused” app. While it doesn’t show ads (yet) or sell your data, the fact that standard chats are stored on its servers and that your phone number is mandatory raises valid concerns. To enhance your privacy on Telegram, use secret chats, limit contact syncing, and adjust your privacy settings. Ultimately, understanding what Telegram knows about you helps you make smarter decisions about what to share—and what not to.
1. Basic Account Information
When you sign up for Telegram, the app requires telegram data your phone number. This is the first and most basic piece of personal data Telegram collects. While you can hide your number from other users through privacy settings, Telegram itself still has access to it. Along with your phone number, the app collects your name, profile picture, username, and bio—if you choose to provide them.
2. Contacts and Communication
Telegram requests access to your phone contacts to help you connect with others using the app. If granted, it uploads your contact list to its servers, keeping track of who you might know. This synchronization helps Telegram notify you when someone you know joins the platform, but it also means Telegram has a detailed map of your social network—even people you haven’t messaged yet.
Telegram stores your chat metadata, such as timestamps, recipient information, and group activity. While Telegram claims not to use this data for advertising or profiling, the information exists on its servers and could be subject to government requests or data breaches.
3. Cloud Chats and Messages
Unlike some encrypted messengers, Telegram’s standard (or “cloud”) chats are not end-to-end encrypted. These messages are stored on Telegram's servers, allowing you to access them from multiple devices. While Telegram claims these are encrypted between you and its servers, the company ultimately controls the encryption keys. This means they could access your messages if required.
However, Telegram does offer Secret Chats, which are end-to-end encrypted and not stored in the cloud. These chats can only be accessed on the devices where they were started. Still, secret chats are not enabled by default, and many users may never use them.
4. Usage Data and Analytics
Telegram collects data on how you use the app—such as how often you log in, the features you use (like voice chats or bots), and which stickers or emojis are popular. This kind of analytical data helps improve user experience but also gives Telegram insight into your behavior on the platform.
5. Location and Media Metadata
If you share your location with someone, Telegram receives that data. Media files—like photos and videos—may contain metadata such as the time taken or location, unless you strip that information beforehand.
Conclusion
Telegram collects more data than some users might expect from a “privacy-focused” app. While it doesn’t show ads (yet) or sell your data, the fact that standard chats are stored on its servers and that your phone number is mandatory raises valid concerns. To enhance your privacy on Telegram, use secret chats, limit contact syncing, and adjust your privacy settings. Ultimately, understanding what Telegram knows about you helps you make smarter decisions about what to share—and what not to.