Telegram has introduced a new option for subscribing to its premium membership. However, this requires users to share their cell phone numbers, which could cost them dearly.
Telegram doesn’t have the best reputation as a messenger service anyway. However, the platform has now introduced a new option for premium membership that is more than questionable in terms of data protection.
The messenger calls the new model the peer-to-peer log-in program (P2PL). In future, users will be able to earn their premium memberships. Although they won’t pay any money for this, they will still pay a high price.
What is P2PL from Telegram all about?
Users who decide to take part in the peer-to-peer log-in program have to share their cell phone numbers. This in turn is then used to send login data via SMS.
Anyone who wants to log in to Telegram can use a so-called one-time PIN. This OTP is sent as a text message to a cell phone number and can then be used to log into the Telegram account.
This can be helpful, for example, if the password for the account has been lost. Until now, however, the OTP was only sent to the cell phone number linked to the account.
According to Telegram, however, this method was not completely reliable in the past. This is where P2PL should now provide support.
What does P2PL mean for users?
As the online magazine Android Authority reports, this new function will initially be launched in Indonesia, among other countries. Here, sending a text message is associated with high fees, which Telegram apparently wants to save by using P2PL.
This is because if users give up their phone number for P2PL, they also have to pay the cost of sending the text message. This is also clear from the general terms and conditions for the program.
You acknowledge and agree that Telegram assumes no liability for any costs, expenses, damages or other adverse or otherwise unforeseen consequences that you may incur as a direct or indirect result of your current or past participation in the P2PL program.
In return, users will each receive one month of Premium Membership. A maximum of 150 OTP text messages per month will be charged.
The problem with the new Telegram program
But it’s not just domestic text messages that are possible with P2PL. Users who participate in the program could also fall into the trap of costly international text messages.
This is because this setting is preset when participating in the program. Users who do not want this must deactivate the function by opting out in the settings.
But that’s not the only pitfall of P2PL. The program’s data protection also raises questions.
The OTP text messages are sent unencrypted via the participants’ cell phone numbers. In its terms and conditions, Telegram states that it cannot prevent “the OTP recipient from seeing your phone number when receiving your SMS”.
Therefore, you acknowledge and agree that you have considered all potential consequences that this may entail and have taken the necessary precautions to mitigate them at your discretion.
Telegram will not be liable for any “inconvenience, harassment or damages” resulting from “unwanted, unauthorized or illegal actions by users who have learned of your phone number through P2PL”.
