
Pavel Durov - a Russian-born tech giant - is the co-founder and owner of Telegram. However, a paid premium subscription option may be forthcoming. Additionally, Telegram focuses on privacy, offering enhanced security features and encryption to keep conversations private.

Unlike Facebook Messenger (often referred to simply as Messenger) and WhatsApp - both of which are owned by Meta, the parent company behind Facebook - Telegram doesn’t have ties to any existing social media platform. Telegram is also accessible through a web browser, eliminating the need for an app download entirely. Along with apps for both Android and iOS smartphones, there are Windows, Mac, and Linux apps for computers and tablets as well. Telegram is a cross-platform messenger app that offers one-on-one and group chat options. It's a gathering place for conspiracy theorists and hate groups: As mainstream social media services increasingly take down QAnon groups, neo-Nazis, and other hate groups and conspiracy theorists, Telegram has become an attractive gathering place for many of these groups because of the enhanced security and permissive content policies, though Telegram has ramped up efforts to disable accounts run by hate groups and extremists.But does that make Telegram a genuine competitor to the other instant-messaging apps? And are there risks that counteract its benefits? If you’re curious about Telegram, here’s everything you need to know.That's why it's frustrating that your contacts already on the app get notified when you join. New user announcements may violate privacy: One of the main reasons many people join Telegram is to be able to send secure and private messages.

That means there's a good chance your friends and contacts are not using the app.
