March 2019 update: Telegram has a ‘nuclear’ delete option meaning a user can selectively choose messages (any message–either ones that the user wrote or that another user wrote) to permanently delete from their account and the account of whoever else was part of the chat. This has some similarity to Snapchat and the features it offers. And “if you want to send messages that can vanish without a trace, try using our self-destruct timer…” the app states. If you lose your device or don’t log into your account for six months, the account will automatically self-destruct. Telegram has a self-destruct mode and messages with a self-destruct timer is a key feature. The app explains how to create a Secret Chat message – these messages are not available in the cloud and cannot be accessed on other devices – only the sending and receiving device can access the content of the messages. Secret Chats are possible on Telegram and encouraged. This graphic from their website explains its features, which we elaborate on below: What do parents need to know about Telegram? Under the app’s general question section, users can “create groups for up to 200,000 people or channels for broadcasting to unlimited audiences.”ĪPP Store rating: 17+ (both Apple and Google Play) The app is touted as being extremely secure because of its end-to-end encryption option that can be turned on, allowing users to feel much safer about sending private messages.

Your phone number is required for setup (similar to WhatsApp) but there is also the option of creating a username which is totally public and can be searched by anyone. Description: Telegram Messenger is a cloud-based communication app usable across all devices it allows users to send pics, videos, stickers, texts, and other files completely free.

Telegram app open