Core Data Types Handled by Telegram Apps

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Telegram data app," we are primarily referring to the official Telegram client applications – whether on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, or the Web – and how they manage, process, store, and secure user data. These applications are the direct interface through which users interact with the Telegram service, and their design fundamentally dictates the user's data experience and privacy level.

The "Telegram data app" concept is central to understanding Telegram's privacy claims, as it's within these applications that encryption is performed, data is cached, and user-configurable privacy settings are managed.

The Telegram application on any platform deals with several categories of user data:

Account Identification Data:

Phone Number: The primary identifier for logging in and associating the user with their telegram data account. The app sends this for authentication.
User ID: An internal numerical identifier.
Username (Optional): The public handle (@username) set by the user.
First Name & Last Name (Optional): Display names.
Profile Picture(s) (Optional): Visual identity.
These details are managed and displayed by the app.
Communication Data (Messages and Media):

Message Content: Text, images, videos, audio, documents, stickers, GIFs, voice notes, video notes, locations, contacts, polls, etc.
Media Files: The actual media files (photos, videos, documents) that are sent or received.
Message Metadata: Timestamps, sender/recipient IDs, message status (sent, delivered, read).
The app is responsible for composing, sending, receiving, decrypting, and displaying all this content.