In the digital age, protecting personal privacy has become increasingly important. Telegram, a popular messaging app, offers various privacy settings that allow users to control their personal information and safeguard their conversations. This article explores the privacy settings available in the Chinese version of Telegram and provides practical tips to enhance your privacy while using the platform.
What It Is:
TwoStep Verification is a security feature that adds an extra layer of protection to your Telegram account. Once enabled, you will need to enter a verification code in addition to your password when logging in.
How To Use It:
To activate TwoStep Verification in the Chinese version of Telegram, navigate to Settings > Privacy and Security > TwoStep Verification. Follow the prompts to set a password and provide an email address for recovery.
Example:
After setting up TwoStep Verification, if someone tries to access your account from a new device, they must provide both your password and the verification code, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
What It Is:
By default, your phone number is visible to users who have saved your contact information. However, you can customize who can see this information.
How To Use It:
Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Phone Number. Here, you can choose one of three options: "Everybody," "My Contacts," or "Nobody." You can also add exceptions for specific users if needed.
Example:
If you select "My Contacts," only people saved in your contact list can see your phone number. This setting is especially useful if you're in a large group where unknown members might see your number.
What It Is:
Telegram allows users to control who can see their “Last Seen” status, which indicates when you were last active.
How To Use It:
Access this feature by going to Settings > Privacy and Security > Last Seen. Choose between "Everybody," "My Contacts," "My Contacts Except..." or “Nobody.”
Example:
If you're busy and don't want others to know when you're online, selecting “Nobody” will ensure your active status remains hidden from all.
What It Is:
Secret Chats in Telegram offer endtoend encryption, ensuring only you and the chat's recipient can read the messages. These chats also have additional features like selfdestructing messages.
How To Use It:
To start a Secret Chat, tap on the chat icon and select "New Secret Chat." Choose the contact you want to chat with, and you can then set a timer for messages to selfdestruct.
Example:
If you’re discussing sensitive information, using a Secret Chat ensures that your messages are secure and that they will disappear after the set time, providing you with peace of mind.
What It Is:
The ability to block users prevents them from sending you messages or seeing your profile information.
How To Use It:
To block a user, go to the chat with that person, tap on their name at the top, and select "Block User." You can unblock them later if you change your mind.
Example:
If someone is disturbing you with unwanted messages, blocking them will help maintain your peace and privacy on the platform.
To ensure your messages are secure, consider using Secret Chats, which provide endtoend encryption. Be wary of public chats where privacy cannot be guaranteed, and regularly change your passwords to strengthen your account's security.
If you suspect your account has been hacked, immediately change your password and enable TwoStep Verification. Check your active sessions and log out of any unfamiliar devices through your privacy settings.
Yes, you can control who sees your profile picture by going to Settings > Privacy and Security > Profile Photo. Here, you can choose from "Everybody," "My Contacts," or "My Contacts Except…” to manage visibility.
Telegram's cloudbased storage allows you to access messages from any device, but this also means that your messages are stored on their servers. Use Secret Chats for messages that you don't want stored.
If you encounter spam or abusive behavior, you can report the user or their messages. Tap on their profile, select "Report," and follow the instructions. Telegram takes such reports seriously and will investigate the matter.
Telegram requires a phone number for registration, but you can set your account to be as private as possible afterward. Consider using a secondary number that is not linked to your personal details.
With these privacy settings and tips, Telegram users can take proactive steps to protect their personal information and ensure a secure messaging experience. By utilizing the features available in the Chinese version, you can enhance your privacy and enjoy the platform with peace of mind.