Moxie Marlinspike Slams Telegram: Experts Claim Cloud Messenger Stores Chats in Plain Text, FSB Links Cited
Moxie Marlinspike stated Telegram functions as a cloud messenger, suggesting all messages reside in plain text within a database controlled by Telegram. Reports further fuel this alarm, citing alleged ties between the platform and Russia's FSB.
The community split sharply between technical risk assessment and user utility. Advocates like Moxie Marlinspike and XLE argue the platform is inherently unsafe due to its architecture and geopolitical links. Conversely, Eyekaytee notes users treat Telegram not for privacy, but because it simply functions as a superior general chat application. An outlier point was raised by AmanitaCaesarea, criticizing Signal itself for needing phone numbers and using AWS.
The weight of security critique points toward Telegram's centralized control being its biggest flaw. While some acknowledge the platform's functional superiority, the core technical argument—that Telegram's structure compromises true privacy—remains the dominant concern.
Key Points
Telegram stores messages in plain text in a cloud database.
Moxie Marlinspike stated this is fundamental to Telegram's architecture, contradicting true encryption claims.
Telegram's ties to geopolitical actors like the FSB are a security risk.
Concerns were raised based on external reporting connecting the service to Russian intelligence.
Users adopt Telegram for functionality, not privacy.
Eyekaytee argued the practical reality is Telegram is better as a general chat app, regardless of security features.
Signal is not immune to privacy failings.
AmanitaCaesarea pointed out Signal's own vulnerabilities, specifically mandatory phone number registration and reliance on AWS.
The highest privacy demands systems outside commercial messengers.
Kingofras suggested Matrix or face-to-face communication surpass all current messenger services.
Source Discussions (3)
This report was synthesized from the following Lemmy discussions, ranked by community score.