People have been turning to Telegram as a replacement for WhatsApp. What are the reasons behind this switch?
Users have been searching for safer alternatives to WhatsApp since the controversial privacy policies announced by WhatsApp in 2021. A sign
of its discovery was visible.
In addition to offering privacy, Telegram also offers tools that WhatsApp does not. This app might be able to take on WhatsApp with more than 500 million users.
Our article discusses the reasons why people are leaving WhatsApp for
Telegram..and why you should consider it as well.
Facebook's Privacy Policy Controversy and WhatsApp's Privacy Policy Controversy
WhatsApp's privacy policy announcement for 2021 clarified how it may share certain data with Facebook, and users weren't pleased.
Personal conversations are protected by end-to-end encryption, according to the app.
Due to Facebook's history of privacy flaws, data collection, and leaks, people weren't exactly convinced. Is there any assurance there won't be another Cambridge Analytica scandal?
WhatsApp's Security and Privacy Policy, states that your account registration information (phone number), transaction data, mobile device information, IP address, and service-related information will be shared with Facebook if you use WhatsApp to communicate with businesses.
WhatsApp users have been compelled to consider other alternatives, including Telegram.
We'll now take a look at some of the features that are making some users choose Telegram over WhatsApp...
1. Secret Chats
There are a number of privacy-focused features in Telegram's secret chats. Encryption from end to end provides additional security.
Further, they include other privacy options, such as automated notifications whenever someone screenshots and enabling self-destructing messages.
2. Self-Destructing Messages
You can set a timer for your sent messages to automatically self-destruct in Telegram's secret chats.
You can choose a waiting period from a few seconds to a week, and both the sender and recipient's devices will be cleared of the message.
3. The Ability to Hide Your Number
Telegram doesn't require you to reveal your phone number in order to chat.
A username lets you create an anonymous username that you can chat with instead of sending DMs from a social media account.
Your phone number is not always disclosed in group chats either. You can control how your phone number is seen on Telegram.
Depending on your settings, you can let everyone see it, my contacts, nobody, or only specific users see it. Using these same settings, you can also prevent strangers from finding you by your phone number.
Unlike WhatsApp, your phone number is not available to other chat group members.
4. Telegram File Transfer Sizes
Maximum file size of 16MB is allowed for all media on WhatsApp (photos, videos, and voice notes). Telegram, however, allows up to 2GB of storage—that's the size of some movie files!
Telegram supports all types of files, so you can send any type of file. It is not so for WhatsApp, where many users fear the "This file format is not supported" pop-up.
5. Unlimited storage capacity
You can store unlimited data on Telegram's servers. If your chat information is stored on the server, you are able to send and receive as many messages, media files, and documents as you like while chatting.
So, the app does not set a limit or quota to your account for files sent.
6. Cloud saving automatically
Due to Telegram's unlimited storage, you don't have to worry about constantly backing up or restoring your chats.
You will automatically have all of your data (except for secret chats) saved on their cloud.
Regardless of how many devices you use, you can log in and out without losing any data. In addition, you don't have to rely on third-party backup services.
7. Support for multiple platforms
There are many platforms on which Telegram can be used, such as
iOS, Mac, Android, Windows, Linux OS, and through its website.
The app can be used on a wide range of devices, giving you quite a bit of flexibility.
8. The capability of having multiple sessions
Multiple devices can be logged into the same account simultaneously. It is instantaneously synchronized across all devices so that everything stays up to date.
If you send and receive messages on your iPhone while also logged in on your Mac, your conversations on your Mac will be reflected in real-time on your iPhone. Browsers will also remember your session.
9. Large groups of people chatting
A WhatsApp group chat can have up to 256 participants, whereas Telegram allows a maximum of 200,000 members!
You can use this if you want to join communities and not just smaller groups.
10. Channels
Telegram also offers channels. A channel is similar to a group chat, except that you can control who posts and the number of participants can be unlimited.
Posts can only be viewed by those who aren't allowed to post.
11. Messages are saved on Telegram
There is no need to locate a particular message in the chats if you want to review it. It is possible to save messages in Telegram, which can be accessed through Saved Messages in the settings.
As a result, you can bookmark or pin anything that you want to remember for later, like an address or reminder, a contact has sent you.
12. Drafts marked
Like WhatsApp, you can draft a message in the message bar, exit the chat, and the text will still be there when you return.
By marking them as "Draft" in the Chats window, Telegram only indicates the chats where you have unsent drafts. This is a great tool for forgetful texters.
13. Scheduling Telegram messages
If you have a great response to something but don't want to send
it right away, or if you want to send a nightly text to a loved one, you can
schedule the message on Telegram.
It's a bit hidden, but you need to type your message, hold down the blue Send icon, and select Schedule Message from the popup.
14. Appearance Customization
There are more built-in appearance customizations in Telegram than in WhatsApp. There are countless chat backgrounds to choose from, including ombre designs.
Additionally, the chat bubbles and accents can be customized with solid or ombre colors, as well as the message corners and text size.
Even the icon style of the app that will be displayed on the home screen can be customized.
15. Telegram Is Open-Source
Due to Telegram's open-source nature, anyone can access its source code and security researchers can examine its encryption. Independent developers can also fix bugs and improve open-source apps.
Projects of this kind can receive input from anyone, anywhere, and are less likely to be constrained by company agendas. This leads to a more user-friendly and open project in the end.
16. Updates frequently
Changing from WhatsApp to Telegram is yet another reason for its popularity. Telegram is a very dynamic app. The features and functionality we provide are always being Updated.
Despite having more features than most messaging apps, Telegram manages to surprise users with new updates every few weeks or months.
Maybe It's Time to Switch to Telegram from WhatsApp
Many users are uncertain about what WhatsApp's new privacy policies mean. You may want to consider the advantages of Telegram that we have listed here.
With its overall architecture and additional features, WhatsApp has certainly a lot to offer in terms of privacy.
