Telegram, a globally acclaimed messaging platform, boasts a plethora of features catering to users’ communication needs. However, ensuring privacy on this platform demands proactive adjustments in the settings, as default configurations might not suffice. Here, we delve into eight paramount privacy settings that users should enable immediately to fortify their confidentiality on Telegram.
- Utilise Secret Chats for Enhanced Privacy: Unlike its counterparts like Signal and WhatsApp, Telegram doesn’t employ end-to-end encryption in regular chats by default, potentially compromising users’ privacy. Nonetheless, Telegram offers a solution in the form of Secret Chats, characterised by robust end-to-end encryption. Initiate these secure conversations by selecting a contact, tapping the three-dots icon, and opting to start a Secret Chat. While this feature significantly bolsters privacy, its limitations, including device compatibility and device-specific chats, should be noted.
- Conceal Your Date of Birth: Users can shield their personal information, such as their date of birth, from unnecessary exposure by adjusting settings in Telegram. Simply navigate to Telegram Settings, select Date of Birth, and opt to restrict visibility to ‘Nobody’, thereby preventing unauthorised access to this sensitive data.
- Implement Passcode Lock for Added Security: Strengthen the fortification of your Telegram conversations against prying eyes by setting up a passcode lock within the app. This additional layer of security, accessible through Telegram settings, serves as a deterrent to unauthorised access to your private chats.
- Eradicate Contacts from Telegram Servers: Take control of your privacy by managing the data stored on Telegram servers. Users can choose to sever the link between their address book and Telegram by deleting synced contacts. This measure not only enhances privacy but also minimises the risk of data exposure.
- Hide Your Phone Number: Safeguard your anonymity on Telegram by concealing your phone number from all users. This can be achieved by navigating to Privacy and Security settings and selecting ‘Nobody’ under the Phone Number section, ensuring that your contact details remain confidential.
- Restrict Inbound Calls and Group Invitations: Tailor your Telegram experience by curbing unsolicited calls and group invitations. Users can opt to disable incoming calls altogether and restrict group invites to contacts only, mitigating potential disturbances and maintaining privacy.
- Eliminate Profile Links in Forwarded Messages: Prevent inadvertent exposure of your profile information in forwarded messages by adjusting settings in Telegram. By opting out of profile links in forwarded messages, users can mitigate the risk of unauthorised access to their profile.
- Manage Profile Picture Visibility: Maintain control over your profile picture visibility to uphold privacy standards. Telegram users can either delete or hide old profile pictures from strangers’ view, thereby mitigating privacy risks associated with profile exposure.
In conclusion, while Telegram offers a myriad of communication features, safeguarding privacy necessitates proactive configuration of settings. By enabling these eight privacy settings, users can reclaim control over their digital footprint and foster a secure messaging environment. As technology evolves, it’s imperative for users to stay vigilant and adapt privacy measures to counter emerging threats and safeguard their personal data.
