Telegram has introduced a controversial new feature that gives users a free premium subscription in exchange for allowing the instant messaging app to use their phone number as a relay to send SMS passwords to other users trying to log in to the platform, raising concerns about with potential privacy risks and exposure of personal information.
The feature, first spotted by TGInfoEn Telegram channel (via reverse engineering AssembleDebug), is rolling out in select countries for Telegram for Android users. If you agree to allow Telegram to use your number as an OTP relay, the company will send you a transferable code for Telegram Premium.
The terms of service for this Peer-to-peer connection program notes that the company will send a maximum of 150 OTP messages per month. Participating users, who may also be charged for local and international SMS usage, will need to meet a certain threshold before they can avail the free subscription. From a monetary perspective, you may end up paying more through your phone bill than the premium Telegram subscription is worth.
Then there’s the huge issue of privacy, which allows strangers to look up your number and use it for spam and fraud. Telegram allows users to hide their phone numbers from strangers, but using your number as a relay could allow them to look up your Telegram account.
The terms indicate that people participating in the program will not hold Telegram responsible for any damages and provide the company with absolute indemnification from all claims related to the peer-to-peer connection.
“You acknowledge and agree that Telegram shall have no liability for any costs, expenses, damages or other adverse or otherwise unforeseeable consequences that you may suffer as a direct or indirect consequence of your present or past participation in the P2PL Program,” read.
Telegram tells users not to interact with people who receive an OTP from their number, but there is no way to enforce it.
The company launched a subscription service two years ago with features like transcription, exclusive stickers, reactions and other customizations. Telegram has introduced features like Stories for paid users. However, users who opt for the peer-to-peer connection system should consider whether it’s worth it to give out their phone number to strangers to save a few bucks.
