Telegram Offers Premium Subscription in Exchange for Using Your Number to Send OTPs

Telegram is introducing a new way for users to earn a premium subscription for free, but it comes with significant privacy concerns. The program, called “Peer-to-Peer Login” (P2PL), requires users to volunteer their phone numbers to relay one-time passwords (OTPs) to other users. While this may sound like a tempting offer, especially for a messaging service that emphasizes privacy, there are several reasons why users should proceed with caution.

Telegram Offers Premium Subscription in Exchange for Using Your Number to Send OTPs

Firstly, by participating in the P2PL program, users agree to let Telegram use their phone numbers to send up to 150 OTPs to other users every month. However, every time you use your phone number to send an OTP, the recipient will see it. If anything goes wrong as a result of this, Telegram’s terms state that the user will be solely responsible, absolving Telegram of any liability.

Additionally, there is no way for Telegram to prevent recipients from replying to the OTP texts, even though participants are instructed not to engage with recipients. This lack of enforcement raises concerns about the effectiveness of the program’s guidelines.

Telegram claims that the program is aiming to make the receipt of access codes via SMS more reliable in certain areas. However, some critics argue that the real motivation behind the program may be to avoid fees associated with sending access codes via SMS.

This move is surprising coming from a company that prides itself on its privacy policies. Telegram has attracted a global user base looking for a platform free from algorithms, but this new program raises questions about the company’s commitment to privacy.

It’s important for users to be aware of the implications of participating in the P2PL program and to consider the potential privacy risks before volunteering their phone numbers.