New Telegram update brings privacy improvements

The company claims this is part of their continued efforts to improve user privacy. After introducing end-to-end encryption in 2013, it now wants to give users completely control over their conversations. That includes being able to ‘unsend’ or delete messages. Previously, you were only allowed to do so within forty-eight hours and you could only delete messages you had sent. Now, you the limit has been removed and users can ‘unsend’ any sent or received messages at any time. The messages will then be removed from both chat parties’ phones. You can also delete any private chat with two taps.

Further privacy improvements include a setting allowing you to restrict message forwarding. When enabled, forwarded messages will no longer lead to your account – just an unclickable username. According to Telegram, “this way people you chat with will have no verifiable proof you ever sent them anything”.

Additionally, Telegram has also added the option to search through the ever-expanding settings menu, and brought emoji improvements. According to Telegram, you can now find ‘more cats’, as well as use keywords in multiple languages when searching for the right emoticon.

Finally, Telegram has added accessibility feature support – TalkBack on Android and VoiceOver on iOS. With them, you can hear spoken feedback so you can use the messaging app even if you can’t see the screen.