Category: Telegram

Telegram is a freeware, cross-platform, cloud-based instant messaging (IM) software and application service. The service also provides end-to-end encrypted video calling,[15] VoIP, file sharing and several other features. It was initially launched for iOS on 14 August 2013 and Android in October 2013. The application servers of Telegram are distributed worldwide to decrease data load with five data centers in different regions, while the operational center is currently[when?] based in Dubai.[16][17][18][19] Various Telegram client apps are available for desktop and mobile platforms including official apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS and Linux, as well as for the now-discontinued Windows Phone. There is also an official web interface and numerous unofficial clients that make use of Telegram’s protocol.

All of Telegram’s official components are open source,[20] with the exception of the server which is closed-sourced and proprietary.[13] The Telegram provides end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls[21] and optional end-to-end encrypted “secret” chats. Cloud chats and groups are encrypted between the app and the server, so that ISPs and other third-parties on the network can’t access data, but the Telegram server can. Users can send text and voice messages, animated stickers, make voice and video calls, and share an unlimited number of images, documents (2 GB per file), user locations, contacts, and audio files. In January 2021, Telegram surpassed 500 million monthly active users.[22] It was the most downloaded app worldwide in January 2021.[23]