What is Telegram?
Telegram is a secure messaging and audio calling cloud-based app that allows you to send messages, photos, videos and files of any type to your contacts for free. You can also create groups for up to 200,000 people or channels for broadcasting to unlimited contacts or audiences. Telegram is designed so that the content you share is private, secure and encrypted, allowing you to have ‘secret chats’ and for the messages you send or receive to ‘self-destruct’ so they can no longer be seen by the sender or the recipient.
Telegram uses a variety of privacy technologies including encryption to make your communication secure. It also uses cloud technology to store data and synchronize accounts across multiple devices. It supports most file types that are 1.5GB or less and places no limits on the amount of content being sent.
Creating an account on Telegram is free with a phone number, which is only visible to those already in your contact list. You can connect with other people on Telegram by searching for their username or sending invitation links.
Telegram also uses ‘bots’ (small applications which run inside the app) and provides support for developers wanting to create their own. Telegram bots may have a variety of functions including as a payment platform.
Age Limit: 16+ minimum age according to Telegram
Apps: Android, Apple iOS, Windows Phone
How do I report inappropriate content or block a user?
Telegram does not offer specific support for secret chats as they are not stored on their server. For publicly available content on Telegram, refer to the below resources.
- Report content
Learn what steps you can take if you encounter illegal, inappropriate or abusive content on Telegram. - Block voice calls
Control who can call you on Telegram or switch off voice calls. - Block a contact
Learn how to block another person on Telegram. - Privacy settings
Learn about privacy settings like ‘last seen’, blocked contacts and self-destruct accounts. - Contact Telegram
Email Telegram to report or address specific content issues.
How can you protect your personal information?
- Privacy Policy
Learn how Telegram handles your personal information. - Keeping your personal data safe
Get the basics on Telegram’s use of third-party servers and end-to-end encryption. - Security
Learn more about Telegram’s privacy and security features.
Key safety links
- Terms of Service
Understand the rules you must follow when using Telegram. - Groups and channels
Get more information on how to use groups and channels in Telegram. - Bots
Learn about bots and how you might interact with them on Telegram. - Deleting data
Get information on how to delete account data and a link to Telegram’s deactivation page.