What Is Telegram? - Guide to Secure Messaging - TechRobot

What Is Telegram? – Guide to Secure Messaging

VPN Shield and Telegram Logo on Phone

Telegram is a well-known messaging service, encrypted features include group conversations, simple text messages, audio and video calls, file sharing, stickers, and more. Telegram supports numerous devices, including mobile and desktop devices.

Countries banning or blocking the app include Russia, Iraq, Iran, and some parts of India. Fortunately users can maintain access through a VPN.

A VPN can provide a temporary new IP address and location allowing users in countries where the service is restricted. In this article, we will discuss all you should know about the messaging app Telegram.

Reasons for Using a VPN With Telegram

Numerous privacy-focused features, like end-to-end encrypted secret chats and self-destructing messages, are available on Telegram. This ensures that no one, even the government, can interpret the information you transmit or receive using the app.

Sadly, because of this incredible degree of anonymity, the network is now censored by governments in several nations, including Iran, Pakistan, and Russia. Authorities in these countries claimed that the app played a key role in helping people organize protests in places like Thailand, Hong Kong, etc. For instance, in 2020, The Thailand National Police Chief issued an order to shut down Telegram because it is being used to organize and plan anti-government protests for democracy. 

Due to this, some countries have either chosen to prohibit the app (like Cuba) outright, have plans to do so (as is being threatened in Hong Kong), or block certain channels that are critical of the government.

How Does a Telegram VPN Work?

Telegram uses your IP address to determine where you are when you are connected. Therefore, your IP would stop you from using the site in nations where it is prohibited. In this situation, using a mobile VPN to get around these bans will be your best option.

You can use a VPN to access the internet safely as it places you on a foreign server. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will believe you are at a different location. As a result, the service is essential for getting over any government censorship.

A VPN can enhance your online privacy further than Telegram by using encryption technologies to safeguard your data. By preventing your ISPs from monitoring your activity, you can almost make yourself anonymous.

How to Unblock Telegram With a VPN

A VPN makes it relatively easy to access to Telegram, even though it is restricted in your country. All you have to do is to adhere to the simple instructions below to set up a VPN for Telegram on any Windows, Android, iOS, or PC device.

  • Choose and register for a VPN.
  • Download and install the right VPN app for your device
  • Open the VPN app on your device and log in.
  • Connect to a server in any country that allows Telegram. The VPN will give you a new IP address.
  • Proceed to download Telegram on your device.
  • Install and set up Telegram on your device. 

If you find it difficult to set up Telegram successfully, try deleting the cookies on your browser to see if it resolves any restrictions you may be experiencing. You may sideload the Telegram.APK file directly if you are experiencing trouble downloading the app.

How Telegram Detects Your Location

The primary method by which Telegram determines your location is by observing your IP address. Your ISP will give your device a unique IP address as soon as it establishes a connection to the internet. So, as mentioned, if Telegram is prohibited in your nation or area, your IP address will not be able to use the app.

Using a VPN is your best option for getting around the ban and censorship. Additionally, you can reduce security risks related to IP addresses by utilizing Telegram with a VPN.

There are free VPNs that give you access to Telegram. However, these VPNs are not as robust, as they have only minimum security features. Hence, it is possible that your online activities can be monitored. Also, these VPNs have a small selection of servers in a few countries.

Using a Free VPN for Telegram

Additionally, these free VPNs can expose users to tracking cookies to collect their information and sell it for outside advertising. Overall, you won’t likely get a premium experience using a free VPN.

FAQ

Is Telegram safe?

Yes, Telegram is safe. End-to-end encryption is a feature that Telegram supports, but you must enable it in the app’s settings. Also, Telegram can enable messages to self-destruct after a certain amount of time.

Is Telegram reliable?

Yes, Telegram is reliable. Everything it does, including sending messages, taking calls, and exchanging files, is effective. Text-based communication with others is safe and secure with Telegram. As such, users trust this service because of its strong safety regulations. But you should constantly look for measures to safeguard your activity on this application.

Will a VPN protect me while I am using Telegram?

Yes, utilizing a VPN will keep you safe when using Telegram. A VPN connects your device and the VPN server through an encrypted tunnel. This encrypted tunnel makes it impossible for ISPs, hackers, con artists, and the government to track your online activity.

Can I use Telegram without a VPN?

If you live in an area where Telegram is not restricted, you can continue using it as normal without a VPN. However, GPS spoofing tools and proxies may be used to disguise your location if you are in a region where Telegram is restricted and do not have a VPN. Nevertheless, remember that most of these tools and proxies are unsecured and untrustworthy.

Why can’t I unblock Telegram with a VPN?

Once you have signed up for and set up a VPN, you should be able to access Telegram using the VPN servers from anywhere.  However, there are instances where you can’t unblock Telegram even when you’re already using a VPN. Your VPN might just not be functioning. Alternatively, you may have connected to a server in an area that banned Telegram.

If you can rule out those explanations, it may be that: 

  • Your device is incompatible with your preferred VPN.
  • Your actual IP address is not safe.
  • The cookies on your device show your exact location.
  • Your VPN is not strong enough to bypass the bans and restrictions
  • The country has banned the VPN servers

If you are facing any of these problems, you can fix them by doing the following:

  • Clear your browser’s cache and any cookies.
  • Connect to a server in a country that did not ban Telegram
  • Activate the VPN’s IP leak protection settings.
  • Use a different browser
  • Download the Telegram APK file
  • Contact your VPN’s support team
  • Change your VPN

Which countries have a Telegram ban?

Currently, Telegram is blocked in China, Cuba, Pakistan, Thailand, and Iran. Such authoritarian nations often outlaw texting services, allegedly to halt the transmission of information and combat extremist organizations. However, other democratic countries are also cracking down on Telegram.

For instance, Telegram has been outlawed in Brazil by the Supreme Court in an attempt to combat “fake news.” Also, to combat extremism, Germany has banned multiple Telegram channels and is considering outright banning the application.

Summary

Telegram is a good choice if you are looking for an ultra-secure platform to communicate, call, and send content. The fact that it is prohibited in numerous nations is the sole obstacle.

A VPN is one of the best methods to enhance your Telegram experience. It provides the highest level of content encryption and safeguards your data. Also, with a VPN, you can unblock Telegram’s messaging services if you reside in a nation where it is not permitted.

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