What Kind of Data Does Telegram Collect?

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Telegram is often praised for its emphasis on privacy and security, attracting millions of users worldwide who seek a messaging app that offers more control over their personal information. However, like any digital service, Telegram collects certain types of data to function effectively and enhance user experience. Understanding what data Telegram collects helps users make informed decisions about their privacy.

1. Phone Number and Basic Profile Information
When you register for Telegram, the app requires telegram data your phone number as the primary identifier. This phone number is necessary to create an account and verify your identity through SMS or calls. Although you can hide your phone number from other users through privacy settings, Telegram still retains it on their servers.

In addition to your phone number, Telegram collects your profile information, including your name, username, profile picture, and bio if you choose to add them. This information helps your contacts recognize you and makes it easier to find other users on the platform.

2. Contacts and Social Connections
If you grant Telegram access to your phone contacts, the app uploads this list to its servers. This allows Telegram to identify which of your contacts are also on the platform and helps you connect with friends quickly. Telegram stores metadata about these contacts to improve suggestions and notifications.

It’s worth noting that Telegram does not automatically share your contacts with others unless you explicitly agree or initiate communication. However, the company does maintain a mapping of your social graph to facilitate friend discovery and group creation.

3. Messages and Media
Telegram offers two types of chats: cloud chats and secret chats. For cloud chats, your messages, photos, videos, and files are stored encrypted on Telegram’s servers. This allows you to access your messages from multiple devices seamlessly.

Secret Chats, on the other hand, use end-to-end encryption, meaning only the sender and recipient can access the messages. Telegram does not store secret chat content on its servers. However, the metadata, such as timestamps and participant details, may still be logged.

4. Metadata and Usage Information
Telegram collects metadata related to your account activity. This includes information like your IP address, device type, app version, connection logs, and session details. The app also logs timestamps for messages sent and received, group membership, and interaction with bots or channels.

This metadata helps Telegram improve performance, detect suspicious activity, and provide features like synchronization across devices. While Telegram claims not to use this data for targeted advertising, it remains on their servers and could be subject to data requests.

5. Payment and Transaction Data
If you use Telegram’s payment features to purchase services or goods, the app collects transaction data such as payment method, shipping address, and billing information. Telegram partners with third-party payment providers, who process this data independently.

Conclusion
Telegram collects a mix of personal data, metadata, and content to deliver its services effectively. Your phone number, profile details, contacts, messages, and usage patterns are all part of this data ecosystem. While Telegram’s privacy policies and encryption methods aim to protect this data from unauthorized access, understanding what information is collected helps you use the app more responsibly and adjust privacy settings as needed. Being mindful of the data you share ensures a safer, more private Telegram experience.