Telegram offers a Premium subscription to users participating in its security code sending program. If the intention is good, this can pose a danger to the safety of those who agree to assist the application.
Telegram logo // Source: Dima Solomin via Unsplash
The Telegram application, namely one of WhatsApp's competitors in the instant messaging application market, is trying to become more secure, to face the argument of end-to-end encryption of Meta messaging. It is with this in mind that it launched a peer-to-peer connection program. For this, it needs to send single-use PIN codes and that is why it asks its users for help, in exchange for a monthly paid subscription usually. However, participating in this program may cause… security problems.
Telegram wants to be more secure… thanks to its users
As Android Authority tells us, Telegram recently launched a peer-to-peer connection program between Android users: we know this because the application has updated its terms of use. This provides more security between users, to ensure that only they have access to their conversations.
To do this, Telegram uses your phone number as a relay to send one-time PINs (abbreviated as OTP) to other users via SMS so that they can log in to Telegram. In its terms of use, Telegram indicates that it grants itself the right to send a maximum of 150 OTP SMS per month. And to reward users who agree to participate in this program, Telegram offers the Telegram Premium subscription at 5.49 euros per month. It allows you to send files up to 4 GB (and faster), double the limits of the application (channel tracking, saved GIFs, pinned conversations, etc.), no longer have advertising as well as have access to exclusive features.
The conditions of use of the P2PL program // Source: Aroged
The “but” of the story is that you don’t control who you text. Which means you can send SMS messages outside of your country just fine. Enough to generate costs… which will be for your apple. Telegram has nevertheless planned for this by adding a setting to prevent the sending of SMS internationally.
Security, not very secure: accusations mount against Telegram
The other big problem posed by this system of sending OTP SMS by Telegram users themselves is security. This even though the application prides itself on this argument. In fact, the system allows users to see who they are sending these SMS to and those who receive them to see the number of the one who sent them a code. Which raises questions regarding the protection of privacy.
L’application Telegram // Source : Christian Wiediger via Unsplash
Furthermore, Telegram disclaims any responsibility in the event of harassment or any form of harm caused by users obtaining phone numbers through its system. It says: “harm resulting from unwanted, unauthorized or illegal actions taken by users who became aware of your telephone number via P2PL. » However, the application prohibits in its conditions of use from contacting the senders or receivers of said SMS. It is possible to withdraw from the program at any time.