The policy states that messages, photos, videos, and documents in cloud chats are stored on Telegram servers in encrypted form, with encryption keys held by Telegram across multiple data centers. This is distinct from secret chats, which use end-to-end encryption and are not stored server-side.
This analysis describes what Telegram's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This provision establishes that cloud chat content is retained by Telegram in a form that Telegram controls, meaning it is technically accessible to Telegram and potentially subject to compelled legal disclosure. The policy separately confirms that law enforcement requests may result in disclosure of IP address and phone number, though the policy does not explicitly state whether cloud chat content could be disclosed under a broader or different legal order.
Under these terms, messages, photos, videos, and documents sent in standard (non-secret) chats are stored on Telegram's servers in encrypted form with keys held by Telegram. Users who prefer no server-side retention of message content may use secret chats, which the policy states are end-to-end encrypted with no server storage.
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"Telegram is a cloud service. We store messages, photos, videos and documents from your cloud chats on our servers so that you can access your data from any of your devices anytime without having to rely on third-party backups. All data is stored heavily encrypted and the encryption keys in each case are stored in several other data centers in different jurisdictions. This way local engineers or physical intruders cannot get access to user data.Excerpt from Telegram's Privacy Policy
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This provision establishes that cloud chat content is retained by Telegram in a form that Telegram controls, meaning it is technically accessible to Telegram and potentially subject to compelled legal disclosure. The policy separately confirms that law enforcement requests may result in disclosure of IP address and phone number, though the policy does not explicitly state whether cloud chat content …
Under these terms, messages, photos, videos, and documents sent in standard (non-secret) chats are stored on Telegram's servers in encrypted form with keys held by Telegram. Users who prefer no server-side retention of message content may use secret chats, which the policy states are end-to-end encrypted with no server storage.
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