Don’t Accept Telegram’s Offer of Free Premium Membership
Telegram wants to give you a Premium subscription for free. If you like the app and want to take advantage of extra features like 4GB file downloads, faster download speeds, and premium stickers, this offer may be tempting. However, be aware that if you accept, you are throwing your privacy and security out the window.
As TechCrunch reports , Telegram is offering users a free Premium subscription in exchange for a ridiculous question: the company wants to use your phone number as a relay for other users trying to log into their app using SMS-based 2FA. According to the terms of the program , you agree to allow Telegram to use your number as a relay to send up to 150 OTP (one-time password) SMS messages per month, for which you are responsible for paying. Depending on your region, it may cost more than Telegram Premium itself. Of course, if you have an unlimited texting plan, this won’t cost you anything.
But what’s even more concerning is that Telegram admits that a user who receives an OTP SMS code from your relay could see your phone number, and that the company has no way to prevent this. Additionally, “Telegram will not be responsible for any inconvenience, harassment, or harm resulting from unwanted, unauthorized, or illegal actions taken by users who obtained your phone number through P2PL.” Chill.
It is possible that you will also be able to see the recipients’ phone numbers, since Telegram prohibits you from contacting them when using this program, even if they answer you.
Of course, privacy is dead, and our phone numbers are probably floating around the Internet anyway. But why add to that, especially if you’re essentially giving your number to strangers? Strangers could potentially use your phone number to send spam or malware, or to obtain more of your personal information online. It just seems like a completely unnecessary disclosure of personal information on both sides just for the privilege of free access to additional Telegram features.
The offer is currently rolling out to Android users in a limited number of regions, so it’s not a particularly widespread program. However, if you do receive an offer from Telegram, I strongly recommend ignoring it. If you really want Telegram Premium, pay for it with money, not with your privacy.