Telegram (software)
| File:Telegram logo.jpg | |
| Developer(s) | Telegram LLC |
|---|---|
| Stable release | |
| Repository | |
| Operating system | Google Android, Apple iOS, Windows Phone, MS Windows, Mac OSX |
| Available in | English, Arabic, Spanish (Android only) |
| Type | Instant messaging |
| License | Partially open source |
| Website | www |
Telegram Messenger is a free and open source cross-platform messenger with a focus on security. Telegram users can exchange encrypted and self-destructing messages, photos, videos and documents (all file-types supported). Telegram is officially available for Android and iOS (including tablets and no-wifi devices). Unofficial clients for Windows Phone, as well as a Web version, Mac OSX version and a Windows desktop client are available from independent developers using the Telegram API.[1]
Telegram was founded in 2013 by the brothers Nikolai and Pavel Durov, the founders of VK, Russia's largest social network.[2] Nikolai created the new MTProto protocol that the messenger is based on, while Pavel provided financial support and infrastructure through his Digital Fortress fund.[3] Competing with a number of messaging services like WhatsApp, LINE, KakaoTalk, and WeChat, Telegrams' unique selling point is its speed and security.
Features
- All chats are encrypted
- Cloud sync between devices
- Has desktop versions and browser extensions [4]
- Can send photos, videos, and "documents": all file types supported
- Groups for 200 members
- Secret chats with End-to-end encryption
- Auto-destructing messages in secret chats (Snapchat)
Security
Telegram claims it is more secure than mass market messengers like WhatsApp and Line. The application features two types of chats. Ordinary chats use client-server encryption and can be accessed from multiple devices. Secret Chats use end-to-end encryption and can only be accessed from the two participating devices and third parties, including the Telegram administrators, cannot get access.[5] Messages and media in Secret Chats can also be set to self-destruct in a set period of time after being read. Once the time runs out, the messages disappear from both devices.[6] All chats are encrypted, regardless of type. Telegram encryption is based on 256-bit symmetric AES encryption, RSA 2048 encryption and Diffie–Hellman secure key exchange.[7]
On December 19, 2013 Telegram backer Pavel Durov announced that he would give $200,000 in Bitcoins to anyone able to break the messenger's encryption.[8][9][10]
See also
External links
- Official website
- Telegram web app
- Official Twitter account
- Twitter account in Spanish
- Unofficial Twitter in Spanish
References
- ^ List of Telegram applications, official website, February 6, 2014
- ^ Meet Telegram, A Secure Messaging App From The Founders Of VK, Russia’s Largest Social Network, TechCrunch, October 27, 2013
- ^ Russia’s Zuckerberg launches Telegram, a new instant messenger service, Reuters, August 30, 2013
- ^ List of Telegram applications, official website, February 6, 2014
- ^ New instant messenger Telegram protected even from spy intrusions, VentureBeat, November 12, 2013
- ^ Telegram FAQ, retrieved February 10, 2014
- ^ Telegram technical FAQ for Advanced users
- ^ "Crypto contest announcement", Telegram official website, retrieved June 2, 2014
- ^ "Secure messaging app Telegram offers $200,000 to the first person who can break its encryption", The Next Web, December 19, 2013, retrieved February 6, 2014
- ^ "Telegram offers award to crack encryption", BBC, December 19, 2013, retrieved December 30, 2013