Telegram (software)
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| Developer(s) | Telegram LLC |
|---|---|
| Stable release | |
| Repository | |
| Operating system | Google Android, Apple iOS, Windows Phone, MS Windows, Mac OSX |
| Available in | English, Arabic, Spanish |
| Type | Instant messaging |
| License | Partially open source |
| Website | www |
Telegram Messenger is a free and partially 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, OS X version and a Windows desktop client are available from independent developers using the Telegram API.[1][2]
Telegram was founded in 2013 by the brothers Nikolai and Pavel Durov, the founders of VK, Russia's largest social network.[3] Telegram is an independent company, not connected to VK. It is based in Berlin.[4][5] Nikolai created the new MTProto protocol that the messenger is based on, while Pavel provided financial support and infrastructure through his Digital Fortress fund.[6] Similar messaging services include WhatsApp, LINE, KakaoTalk, and WeChat.
Features
- All conversations are encrypted
- Cloud sync between devices
- Has mobile versions, desktop versions and browser extensions [7]
- 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 (Like Snapchat)
- Message read status: 1 check = sent, 2 checks = read (opened) [8]
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. Third parties, including the Telegram administrators, cannot get access.[9] 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.[10] 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.[11]
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.[12][13][14]
Open source
All official Telegram clients (and some of the unofficial clients) are open source.[15] The server code is closed, but is expected to be released in 2014. Pavel Durov mentioned that the server code is not free software, because Telegram requires a major redesign of architecture in order to allow independent servers to exchange data and act as a part of the unified Telegram cloud.[16]
See also
References
- ^ List of Telegram applications, official website, February 6, 2014
- ^ Che cosa è Telegram, Squer.it
- ^ Meet Telegram, A Secure Messaging App From The Founders Of VK, Russia’s Largest Social Network, TechCrunch, October 27, 2013
- ^ Tweet by Telegram, Telegram official twitter account, February 21, 2014
- ^ Tweet by Telegram, Telegram official twitter account, February 21, 2014
- ^ Russia’s Zuckerberg launches Telegram, a new instant messenger service, Reuters, August 30, 2013
- ^ List of Telegram applications, official website, retrieved February 23, 2014
- ^ Telegram F.A.Q.: What do the green ticks mean?, February 23, 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
- ^ Telegram source code links, retrieved February 12, 2013
- ^ "Pavel Durov: "No application is 100% safe"", El Diario Turing, February 2, 2014, retrieved February 12, 2014
- ^ Telegram Unofficial BlackBerry app, BlackBerry Empire, Retrieved on 1 March 2014.
External links