Telegram's Free Premium Subscriptions: Balancing Rewards and Risks

Exploring the Implications of Telegram's Initiative to Offer Premium Subscriptions in Exchange for User Participation

NEWS  Apps  March 25, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

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Telegram has emerged over the years as a formidable alternative to WhatsApp, often pioneering innovative features and functionalities. However, a recent move by the company to introduce a Peer-To-Peer Login Program (P2PL) on Android has sparked both curiosity and concern among users. This program, touted as a means to provide select users with complimentary access to Telegram Premium, entails significant privacy implications and potential risks for participants.

 

According to reports from the Telegram Info English channel and the updated terms of service, the P2PL initiative leverages users' phone numbers as relays to facilitate the transmission of one-time PINs (OTPs) via SMS. While this mechanism aims to streamline the login process for fellow users, it introduces several drawbacks that warrant careful consideration.

One of the primary concerns revolves around the financial burden placed on participants, as they are required to bear all costs associated with sending OTP texts, including international messaging charges. Despite the provision of a toggle to opt out of sending OTPs to international numbers, the responsibility for incurred expenses remains a significant deterrent for many users.

Moreover, the program's reliance on phone numbers as identifiers raises serious privacy apprehensions. Participants risk exposing their phone numbers to recipients, while also gaining access to the contact information of OTP recipients. This exchange of sensitive personal data poses a potential privacy nightmare, leaving users vulnerable to unsolicited contact and harassment.

Compounding these concerns are the terms of service outlined by Telegram, which absolve the company of liability for any harm or harassment resulting from the disclosure of participants' phone numbers.

Furthermore, participants are restricted from engaging with OTP recipients beyond the scope of the program, reinforcing the inherent risks associated with user interaction.

Despite these glaring drawbacks, Telegram seeks to incentivize participation in the P2PL program by offering a gift code for a monthly subscription to Telegram Premium. This subscription, valued at $4.99 per month, grants users access to exclusive features such as expanded file uploads, faster downloads, message transcriptions, and premium stickers. While the allure of premium benefits may be enticing, it is imperative to weigh these perks against the overarching privacy and security concerns posed by the program.

 IMAGES CREDITS: TELEGRAM | COVER IMAGE BY FREEPIK