Telegram’s new Peer-to-Peer Login Program allows users to sign up to relay SMS login codes to other users in regions where SMS service is unstable. However, some users are concerned as the service exposes the sender’s and recipient’s phone numbers.
Telegram’s P2PL program, launched in February, rewards Android users in select countries with a free Telegram Premium subscription — costing $4.99 per month — if they let the company use their phone number to send One-Time PIN (OTP) codes to other users.
Participants in Telegram’s P2PL program bear the cost of sending OTP codes via SMS, including potential international charges. However, the program offers an opt-out for international messaging. Users only get a free monthly subscription if they meet a quota of successfully sent OTP codes, and Telegram says it can send up to 150 OTP codes per user monthly.
“We speculate that the program will be used in countries which have high SMS fees, like Indonesia,” a post announcing the program on the Telegram Info English channel reads.
In its terms of service for the P2PL program, Telegram acknowledges that it can’t hide your phone number from SMS recipients and shifts any responsibility for the consequences of having your phone number leaked. This has sparked concerns among some users.
Telegram Shifts Responsibility to Users
Telegram’s P2PL terms of service clearly say the company will not be liable for any “inconvenience, harassment or harm resulting from unwanted, unauthorized or illegal actions undertaken by users who became aware of your phone number through P2PL.”
The company also prohibits users from contacting recipients of OTP codes outside the P2PL program.
“You agree not to send any messages beyond the automated SMS codes generated by your Telegram App, even if the recipient replies to you. You also agree not to otherwise contact or communicate with recipients on any other platforms, including but not limited to Telegram,” the terms of service of the P2PL program reads.
Reddit users have described the new feature as “shady” and a “bad step” from Telegram. Some noted that users’ phone numbers could be used to send SMS messages to criminals, which could potentially lead to spam text messages and phishing attacks.
One Reddit user shared a screenshot of a Telegram ad that said: “You are one of 0.01% users eligible to take part in Telegram’s Premium for SMS initiative.”
In contrast to Telegram’s approach, the anonymous messaging app Signal is enhancing its privacy by shifting from phone numbers to unique usernames for user identification.
How to Protect Your Privacy on Messaging Platforms
While this may be a good step towards decentralization and reduces Telegram’s reliance on SMS providers, we recommend you diligently review the terms of service and privacy policies of the apps you are using, prioritizing platforms offering enhanced anonymity.
It’s important to exercise caution when opting for services that could compromise your privacy, like Telegram’s P2PL program.
Wondering how safe Telegram is? Check out our Telegram safety overview.
Are you looking for a reliable Telegram alternative? Read about our favorite encrypted messaging apps.
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