eSAFETY GUIDE

Telegram

16+
Minimum age according to Telegram
16+ Minimum age according to Telegram

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 synchronise 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.

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Windows Phone, Apple iOS.
Website: telegram.org/
Apps: Android, Apple iOS, Windows Phone

How do people use Telegram?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use encrypted messaging apps like Telegram.

Telegram is used for: content sharing, encrypted, messaging/online chat, money transfers/online payments, online relationships, photo/video sharing, screen capture and voice chat.

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 its server. For publicly available content on Telegram, refer to the below resources.

These links are provided by Telegram:

  • 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?

These links are provided by Telegram:

Key safety links

These links are provided by Telegram:

  • 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.

Last updated: 04/06/2024

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews or endorsements by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parents, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and apps and mental wellbeing resources for families.