RATING AND CONTENT
Recommended for ages 17 and older
Quality: 5 out of 5
Ease of play: 5 out of 5
Violence: 0 out of 5
Sexy stuff: 0 out of 5
Language: 0 out of 5
Drinking, drugs, and smoking: 0 out of 5
Consumerism: 0 out of 5 (Are products/advertisements embedded? Is the title part of a broader marketing initiative/empire? Is the intent to sell things to kids?)
APP DETAILS
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Mac, Android, Windows Phone
Price: Free
Release date: March 13, 2016
Category: Social networking
Size: 39.40 MB
Publisher: Telegram LLC
Minimum software requirements: iOS 6.0 or later; Android 2.3 and up
Parents need to know that Telegram Messenger lets users send text messages, stickers, images, videos, and other files to one or many people for free, all using encryption to keep messages secure and private. The software is open-source as well, so savvy users can see exactly how information is collected, stored, transmitted, and secured. Like Snapchat, private messaging sessions can be created between users with preset self-destruct timers; messages aren’t stored on the app’s servers. After six months without use, accounts also self destruct. Setting up a username allows other users to find you, but a username isn’t required. How much questionable content is available through the app is entirely up to users and their contacts, though the open-source nature of the platform means anyone can create stickers, bots, and plugins, many of which feature decidedly adult content. As such, it’s really only appropriate for older teens to use to communicate with family and trusted friends. Read the app’s privacy policy to find out more about the types of information collected and shared.
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
Telegram Messenger is a text, image, video, and file messaging program that securely routes all communications through encrypted servers in the cloud. Users set up accounts with a phone number and can use the app on all platforms. From there, they can easily communicate with other users, share files, send stickers, and customize the whole experience. There’s also the option to create secure message sessions which self-destruct and are encrypted end-to-end, so there’s no way for anyone but the sender and recipient to view content, and accounts that are idle for six months or more self destruct.
IS IT ANY GOOD?
Compared to the other big names in messaging, this multifaceted contender is leaps and bounds better in terms of usability, features, and security. It has a clean design and out-of-the-box integration with other services like Dropbox and iCloud. Its encryption features and transparency (a feature of its open-source nature) really set it apart, and make it an attractive choice for privacy-conscious families looking for safe ways to connect. Further, it’s all free, works on every platform (and in any web browser), and messages and data sync seamlessly between devices. However, note that there’s plenty of potential for kids to get into questionable content: Without parental guidance, kids can find and install X-rated stickers and backgrounds with just a quick web search and could send and receive dangerous content to almost anyone. Also, because of the encryption and self-destructing message feature, kids can keep secrets more easily, so make sure your teen is ready for the responsibility.
———
Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.
About the Author
