View source for Telegram


'''Telegram''' is a cloud-based instant messaging service developed by Telegram FZ-LLC, a company registered in Dubai and founded by Russian entrepreneur [[Pavel Durov]]. The platform offers end-to-end encrypted messaging, voice and video calling, group chats, channels, bots, and a robust file-sharing system. It is known for its focus on speed, privacy, and user control.

== History ==
Telegram was officially launched on August 14, 2013, by brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov, the original creators of the Russian social network [[VK]]. Following a dispute with the Russian government, the Durov brothers left VK and started Telegram as an independent platform promoting privacy and freedom of communication.

Initially released for iOS, the service expanded quickly to Android and desktop platforms. Telegram gained popularity globally, especially during times of political unrest and social media blackouts, due to its decentralized nature and resistance to censorship.

== Features ==

=== Messaging and Media ===
Telegram supports one-on-one and group text messaging, as well as multimedia sharing, including photos, videos, audio, stickers, and documents (up to 2GB per file). Users can create groups with up to 200,000 members and broadcast content via channels to unlimited subscribers.

=== Secret Chats ===
Secret chats are device-specific and use end-to-end encryption, offering options like self-destructing messages and screenshots protection.

=== Voice and Video Calls ===
Telegram supports both audio and video calls with optional end-to-end encryption for added privacy.

=== Bots and API ===
Developers can create Telegram Bots using the Telegram Bot API, enabling automated interactions, games, services, and utilities within the platform.

=== Cloud-Based System ===
Telegram’s cloud infrastructure allows users to access their messages across multiple devices seamlessly. Regular messages (not secret chats) are stored encrypted in the cloud, enabling fast sync.

=== Customization ===
Telegram offers extensive UI customization, animated stickers, themes, emoji reactions, and message formatting (Markdown/HTML).

== Privacy and Security ==
Telegram uses its proprietary encryption protocol called MTProto. While secret chats offer end-to-end encryption, regular chats are encrypted between the client and Telegram's servers. The app’s stance on privacy and refusal to share data with governments has made it popular among activists and journalists.

== Criticism and Controversies ==
Telegram has faced criticism for being used to coordinate illegal activity and spread misinformation, primarily due to its limited moderation on public channels. Governments in several countries (e.g., Iran, Russia) have attempted to ban or block the platform.

Despite controversies, Telegram continues to expand its user base, often cited as a privacy-focused alternative to WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

== Monetization ==
In recent years, Telegram introduced non-intrusive ads in large public channels and launched Telegram Premium, a subscription service with additional features such as faster downloads, higher file size limits, exclusive stickers, and more.

== Usage and Popularity ==
As of 2024, Telegram has over 900 million monthly active users, with strong user bases in South Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and parts of the Middle East. It consistently ranks among the most downloaded messaging apps worldwide.

== See also ==
* [[Signal (software)]]
* [[WhatsApp]]
* [[Viber]]
* [[Facebook Messenger]]
* [[Discord]]
* [[WeChat]]

== External links ==
* [https://telegram.org Official website]
* [https://core.telegram.org Telegram Developer Portal]
* [https://t.me Telegram Web App]
* [https://github.com/telegram Telegram GitHub repositories]

[[Category:Instant messaging clients]]
[[Category:Freeware]]
[[Category:2013 software]]
[[Category:Cross-platform software]]
[[Category:Telegram (software)]]
[[Category:VoIP software]]