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Telegram offers a new way to get a premium subscription for free. All you have to do is enter your phone number to send one-time passwords (OTPs) to other users. While this may look appealing on the surface, it’s actually not a good idea — especially for a privacy-based messaging service.
If you use Telegram, there is a section that describes the new Peer-to-Peer Login (P2PL) program. For now, it is only available on Android and in some (unspecified) territories. By participating in the program, a user allows Telegram to use their phone number to send up to 150 text messages with an OTP to other users logged into their accounts. Each month, when the number is used to send the minimum number of OTPs, the user receives a gift code for a monthly premium subscription.
What could go wrong?
Source
• https://t.co/xgEtXj5qq5
• https://t.co/TkSI0VJcxB
Users in some countries have access to this feature and the only good thing about it is that it is an opt-in. #telegram pic.twitter.com/R1ptjGLJp7— AssembleDebug (@AssembleDebug) March 24, 2024
This app has several privacy issues. Whenever the number is used to send an OTP, it is visible to the recipient. And if something unpleasant happens as a result of this, Telegram’s terms clearly state that it is the user’s personal responsibility:
“Accordingly, you understand and agree that Telegram shall not be liable for any inconvenience, harassment or damages caused by unwanted, unauthorized or illegal actions by users who have obtained your phone number through P2PL.”
Further. Once the OTP is sent from the user’s number, the recipient can simply reply to it via text message. People participating in a P2PL program are told not to send text messages to recipients of OTPs, even if they sent the message first. Telegram cannot prevent people from replying to the text of the one-time password, and cannot influence it in any way.
Telegram says it’s offering this app to make receiving passcodes via SMS more reliable in certain regions. Although in fact it seems that the company is trying to avoid the commission for sending codes via SMS, a step from the textbook X (Twitter). Telegram is not responsible if your carrier charges you for sending access codes.
All in all, it seems like a very big risk to save $5 a month on premium subscriptions.
Source: The Verge
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