Encryption: The Core of Security

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Telegram utilizes encryption to secure communications, but it's crucial to distinguish between two types:

Secret Chats (End-to-End Encryption - E2EE): This is Telegram's most secure form of communication. In Secret Chats, messages are encrypted on the sender's device and can only be decrypted by the recipient's device. This means that no one, not even Telegram itself, can read the content of these messages. Key characteristics of Secret Chats include:
Device-specific: Secret Chats are tied to the device they are initiated on and do not sync to the cloud or other devices.
Self-destructing messages: Users can set timers for messages, photos, and videos to automatically disappear after a certain period.
No forwarding or screenshots: Secret Chats prevent message forwarding and notify users if a screenshot is attempted.
Perfect Forward Secrecy: This ensures that if a key is compromised, it won't affect the security of past communications.
Cloud Chats (Client-Server Encryption): Most regular chats, including group telegram data chats and channels, use client-server encryption. This means messages are encrypted as they travel from your device to Telegram's servers and then from Telegram's servers to the recipient's device. While this protects data in transit, Telegram's servers technically have the ability to decrypt and access these messages. Telegram claims that these messages are stored heavily encrypted on their servers, with encryption keys stored in different data centers across various jurisdictions, making it difficult for any single entity to access the data. This "distributed infrastructure" aims to prevent local engineers or physical intruders from accessing user data and requires multiple court orders from different jurisdictions to force data disclosure.
2. MTProto Protocol

Telegram uses its own custom encryption protocol called MTProto. This protocol was designed specifically for Telegram's cloud-based messaging service. While Telegram asserts its strength, some security experts have raised concerns about the lack of independent audits and the use of unconventional cryptographic choices compared to more widely vetted protocols. However, Telegram continuously updates and refines MTProto.