by Telegram FZ-LLC · Social Networking · ★ 4.0
"When users pay to unlock a channel post, a permanent copy is created which resides in the parties' transaction history. This copy remains accessible even if the post is later deleted or either party loses access to the channel."
Creators lose control over paid content — permanent copies are retained in transaction histories regardless of whether the original post is deleted.
"Since Telegram may rely on Google LLC or Microsoft Corporation for automatic translation of messages, the text of any message or set of messages that users choose to translate may be shared with Google or Microsoft in order to obtain their translated versions. Since Telegram may rely on a third party, Google LLC, subsidiary of Alphabet Inc, for voice-to-text conversion, the audio data of voice and video messages that users choose to convert to text may be shared with Google."
Telegram shares message text and audio data with Google and Microsoft when users use translation or transcription features, though these companies are contractually limited to providing the requested service.
"If you are using Android, Telegram will ask you for permission to access your phone call logs (READ_CALL_LOG). If you grant this permission, Telegram will be able verify your account by transmitting a phone call instead of asking you to enter a code. Telegram uses this permission only to confirm receipt of the confirmation call by verifying the number in the call log."
Telegram requests access to phone call logs on Android for account verification, which exposes sensitive call history data beyond what is strictly necessary for a messaging app.
"We will review and may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes to this Privacy Policy will become effective when we post the revised Privacy Policy on this page www.telegram.org/privacy. Please check our website frequently to see any updates or changes to our Privacy Policy."
Changes to the privacy policy become effective immediately upon posting, placing the burden on users to check the website frequently rather than requiring explicit consent.
"If you share your Live Location in any chat or turn on 'Make Myself Visible' in People Nearby, Telegram will use your data to display your location to those users with whom you are sharing it, even when the app is closed – for as long as you keep these optional features activated."
Telegram tracks and shares your location continuously in the background, even when the app is closed, as long as Live Location or People Nearby features are enabled.
"To improve the security of your account, as well as to prevent spam, abuse, and other violations of our Terms of Service, we may collect metadata such as your IP address, devices and Telegram apps you've used, history of username changes, etc. If collected, this metadata can be kept for 12 months maximum."
Telegram collects device and usage metadata including IP addresses and device identifiers, which can be used to track users across devices and sessions.
"Deleting a message will delete it from your message history. This means that a copy will stay on the server as part of your partner's message history. As soon as your partner deletes it too, it's gone forever. Note that deleted messages and original versions of edited messages from supergroups are stored for 48 hours after deletion."
Deleted messages are not fully removed from Telegram's servers — copies persist in other users' message histories until those users also delete them, and supergroup messages are retained for 48 hours after deletion.
"If you would like to delete your account, you can do this on the deactivation page. Deleting your account removes all messages, media, contacts and every other piece of data you store in the Telegram cloud. This action must be confirmed via your Telegram account and cannot be undone."
Account deletion requires navigating to a separate deactivation page and confirming via the Telegram account, rather than offering a straightforward in-app deletion option.
