Telegram

Telegram is an encrypted voice and text messaging application created by brothers Nikolai and Pavel Durov in 2013. It provides users with encrypted instant messaging, voice and video calls, and file sharing capabilities. It is available for both mobile and computer platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux. The application is known for its exceptional security protocols, including end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and optional secret chats that are self-destructing after a set period of time.

Telegram is widely used in the United States and much of Europe, though its popularity is growing in Asia, South America, and the Middle East. Its rise in popularity has been credited to its unique privacy features, its fast and user-friendly interface, and its ability to store messages and data in the cloud for future access. In 2019, Telegram was the 13th most popular app on the iOS App Store worldwide.

In addition to its messaging capabilities, Telegram also offers bots, which are automated chat services. These bots allow users to search for content, track airline flights, set reminders, and more. Telegram’s API and protocol are open, allowing developers to create their own applications and services for the platform.

Though its security features are often praised, Telegram has also been criticized for its lack of transparency regarding which governments are able to access user data and the fact that the data can be stored indefinitely. The app has been blocked in Russia, Iran, and China due to suspicion of espionage and terrorism-related activities, though it remains widely available in many countries.