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Telegram Wiki & Test: In the small world of secure messaging, Telegram is positioned as one of the undisputed leaders, along with WhatsApp and Signal.
The main argument of the application created by the sulphurous Pavel Durov is to offer end-to-end encrypted conversations.
End-to-end encryption (end-to-end encryption in English) is a type of encryption that makes it possible to avoid eavesdropping and interception of data since no one, apart from the interlocutors, has the tools to decrypt the data.
Here is an overview and test of the features offered by Telegram.
Table of contents
What is Telegram?
Above all, presentations are essential, Telegram is an instant messaging application launched in 2013. It arises as a direct competitor of WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Signal.
To differentiate itself from its adversaries, Telegram is betting on security, by offering its users encrypted conversations. On paper, no one but you and your recipient can read the content of your exchanges.
No FBI, NSA, MI6, DGSI or FSB looking at photos of your butt. It is moreover to protect themselves from Russian government censorship that Pavel Durov, a talented Russian developer, created Telegram.
Today, Telegram accounts for nearly 300 millions of users across the world, and is the second most used application in Russia.
If you've just installed it and you're a little lost, here's a full test of the possibilities and flagship features offered by Telegram.
Secret exchanges: end-to-end encrypted mode
Contrary to what neophyte users think, Telegram does not encrypt your conversations systematically. You have to go through a special mode to be able to take advantage of the complex encryption system developed by Pavel Durov and his brother Nicolai.
To do so, you will have to go to the New secret exchange tab. In this mode, messages are end-to-end encrypted, are not stored on Telegram's servers and cloud, cannot be transferred, and can be assigned a lifetime (similar to what Snapchat offers).
The screenshots are also blocked by the application. As a reminder, Telegram has always claimed to be more secure than WhatsApp, Messenger or other messengers.
For good reason, two layers of encryption share the task: a first server / client layer for private chats and groups, and another end-to-end client / client layer for secret chats.
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Groups and channels: the community aspect
Like what WhatsApp and Messenger offer, it is possible to create group conversations on Telegram Messenger. With a slight difference, since the number of members can go up to 200!
Groups are ideal for communicating with family, friends and work colleagues. It is also possible to appoint administrators.
They have at their disposal several moderation tools to manage the group's activity (choice of topics covered, type of content shared, restriction of the number of messages per person, etc.).
The other format is the channels, or the channels in the French version of the app. They are simply thematic news feeds, to which users can subscribe.
They house all types of content: sports betting, skits, video games, manga, meditation, photography, etc. To find out, the best is still to go to the site telegramchannels.me, which brings together the best Telegram channels, groups and bots in France.
See also: 7 Best Free Coco Chat Sites Without Registration
Telegram bots: the infinite personalization of conversations
In order to stand out more from the competition, Telegram quickly offered its users to create their own Bots, robotic interactive systems. These software allow you to implement new functionalities in your conversations.
In Telegram, for example, it is possible to add a command to confront the members of the conversation on an Android game like a Clash Royale, to send GIFs in a few moments or to set up a survey to determine who brings what for the Saturday evening raclette.
Concretely, a Telegram bot is a Telegram account only powered by software. He takes part in the conversation like a human user, except that the application will convey different information to him depending on the actions of the users.
In addition, users can therefore request specific actions from the bot via a command system. This is how it is possible to personalize conversations.
Telegram for PC: to continue conversing secretly with your keyboard
The app also has a PC version which uses the same interface and offers the same functionalities as the Android and iOS application.
Free, it allows you to continue your secret conversations or not from your computer. Useful if you often work on your PC. The main advantage of this desk version is to be able to export all the messages and the list of contacts directly to the PC.
It is also possible to transfer private channels, group conversations as well as all transmitted media (video files, voice and video messages, stickers, GIFs) all in HTML or JSON format for the machines.
To do so, simply go to the Advanced tab from the settings to browse the different options available to you.
To read : Best Torrent Sites Without Registration & 20 Best Free Chat Sites Without Signing Up
Opinions and Controversy: snubbing all governments around the world
In 2013, the two Durov brothers founded Telegram, an instant messaging service whose ambition is to bury its main competitors, WhatsApp in the lead.
To do so, the Durovs decide to create a computer coding tool so complicated, complex and secure, that no government agency will be able to crack it. Today, Telegram is deemed inviolable.
China and Russia have broken their teeth, preferring to simply ban the application.
“I have a holy horror of bureaucracy, state police, centralized governments, wars, socialism and over-regulation”
Pavel Durov on Twitter
Encrypted communications are becoming Telegram's trademark, for better or for worse. So Telegram is a formidable communication tool for journalists, activists, politicians, whistleblowers, and privacy-conscious citizens of their exchanges, it became well in spite of itself for people much less recommendable.
Discover: List of the most used passwords in 2020
In 2016 at the time of the attacks in Brussels and Paris, the authorities discovered that the Islamic State had a hundred accounts on Telegram. At the request of the authorities and the European Union to legislate encrypted messaging, Pavel Durov remained mute.
Nothing will be able to compel the two brothers to reveal their encryption keys, the famous sesame necessary to break Telegram.
For the two men, all the reasons of state in the world are not worth the freedom to exchange in the greatest secrecy.
Read also : What is uTorrent software? & Best Random Video Chat Sites
