Telegram Offers Free Premium Subscription for SMS Relay Service

Russian Federation
Telegram is offering a free premium subscription to users who opt in to relay up to 150 texts per month.
The company uses SMS to text one-time passwords and wants users' cellphone numbers for this purpose.
Telegram Offers Free Premium Subscription for SMS Relay Service

Telegram is offering a free premium subscription to users who opt in to relay up to 150 texts per month. The company uses SMS to text one-time passwords and wants users' cellphone numbers for this purpose.


Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image

Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

70%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Telegram’s peer-to-peer SMS login service is a privacy nightmare

TechCrunch Ivan Mehta Tuesday, 26 March 2024 06:22
  • Unique Points
    • , The company will send you a transferable code for Telegram Premium if you agree to let Telegram use your number as an OTP relay.
    • 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 feature raises concerns about potential privacy risks and the exposure of personal information.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (80%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title implies that Telegram's peer-to-peer SMS login service is a privacy nightmare when it actually has both positive and negative aspects. Secondly, the author uses sensationalism by stating that using your phone number as an OTP relay could allow strangers to look up your Telegram account which is not entirely true. Thirdly, the article implies that users will end up paying more through their phone bill than the value of Telegram's premium membership when in fact it depends on how many SMS messages they send and receive. Lastly, the author uses selective reporting by only mentioning one aspect of Telegram's peer-to-peer login program which is its potential privacy risks while ignoring other features like transcription, exclusive stickers, reactions and other customizations.
    • The article implies that users will end up paying more through their phone bill than the value of Telegram's premium membership when in fact it depends on how many SMS messages they send and receive.
    • Lastly, the author uses selective reporting by only mentioning one aspect of Telegram's peer-to-peer login program which is its potential privacy risks while ignoring other features like transcription, exclusive stickers, reactions and other customizations.
    • The author uses sensationalism by stating that using your phone number as an OTP relay could allow strangers to look up your Telegram account which is not entirely true.
    • The title implies that Telegram's peer-to-peer SMS login service is a privacy nightmare when it actually has both positive and negative aspects.
  • Fallacies (80%)
    The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Telegram has introduced a controversial new feature without providing any evidence or context for why it is considered controversial. They also use inflammatory rhetoric when they describe the potential privacy risks and exposure of personal information as a 'nightmare'. Additionally, the article contains several dichotomous depictions such as describing Telegram's premium membership as both valuable and potentially more expensive than its value through phone bill charges. The author also uses an informal fallacy by stating that users will have to hit a certain quota to be able to avail the complimentary subscription, without providing any evidence or context for this claim.
    • Telegram has introduced a controversial new feature
    • The company tells users not to engage with people who receive an OTP code from their number
    • Users opting into the peer-to-peer login system have to think if giving out their phone number to strangers is worth the hassle.
  • Bias (80%)
    The article contains examples of monetary bias and privacy bias. The author implies that users may end up paying more through their phone bill than the value of Telegram's premium membership if they participate in the peer-to-peer login program. Additionally, there is a massive issue of privacy as strangers can 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.
    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
      None Found At Time Of Publication
    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
      None Found At Time Of Publication

    73%

    The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
    (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

    A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

    Telegram’s Peer-to-Peer Login system is a risky way to save $5 a month

    The Verge Allison Johnson Monday, 25 March 2024 23:29
    • Unique Points
      • , Telegram uses your phone number to send up to 150 texts with OTPs every month,
    • Accuracy
      • Telegram uses your phone number to send up to 150 texts with OTPs every month.
      • Your phone number is seen by the recipient every time it's used to send an OTP. Telegram will not be liable for any inconvenience, harassment or harm resulting from unwanted actions undertaken by users who became aware of your phone number through P2PL.
    • Deception (90%)
      The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author presents the Telegram P2PL program as a bad idea and something that should be avoided when it is actually being marketed by Telegram as a way to earn premium subscriptions for free. Secondly, the author implies that using your phone number to send OTPs will result in harassment or harm but this is not clear from Telegram's terms of service. Thirdly, the author suggests that people participating in the P2PL program are expected to honor an unenforceable agreement not to text back recipients of OTPs which is also not clear from Telegram's terms of service.
      • The article presents the Telegram P2PL program as a bad idea and something that should be avoided when it is actually being marketed by Telegram as a way to earn premium subscriptions for free.
      • The article suggests that people participating in the P2PL program are expected to honor an unenforceable agreement not to text back recipients of OTPs which is also not clear from Telegram's terms of service.
      • The author implies that using your phone number to send OTPs will result in harassment or harm but this is not clear from Telegram's terms of service.
    • Fallacies (85%)
      The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Telegram's global user base has been attracted to the platform as an algorithm-free means of distributing information, both for good and not-so-good. This statement implies that Telegram is a reliable source of information, which is not necessarily true. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating that this new program sounds like an awful idea and using phrases such as 'this seems like a particularly bad place to employ the honor system'. The author also uses dichotomous depiction by stating that Telegram's terms make it clear that they will not be liable for any inconvenience, harassment or harm resulting from unwanted, unauthorized or illegal actions undertaken by users who became aware of your phone number through P2PL. This implies a stark contrast between what the author believes is right and wrong.
      • Telegram's global user base has been attracted to the platform as an algorithm-free means of distributing information, both for good and not-so-good.
    • Bias (85%)
      The article highlights the risks associated with Telegram's new Peer-to-Peer Login system. The author argues that it is a bad idea for a messaging service based around privacy to require users to share their phone numbers and OTPs with other users. Additionally, there are no restrictions on how recipients can respond to the OTP text, which could lead to harassment or harm if anything unpleasant happens as a result of this. The author also suggests that Telegram may be trying to avoid fees imposed for sending codes via SMS by offering this program.
      • By opting in to the program, you agree to let Telegram use your phone number to send up to 150 texts with OTPs to other users logging in their accounts. Every month your number is used to send a minimum number of OTPs, you'll get a gift code for a one-month premium subscription.
        • It's all pretty uncharacteristic for a company that touts a revolutionary privacy policy.
          • Telegram is offering a new way to earn a premium subscription free of charge: all you have to do is volunteer your phone number to relay one-time passwords (OTP) to other users. This, in fact, sounds like an awful idea particularly for a messaging service based around privacy.
            • Telegram is taking zero responsibility if your carrier charges you a fee for sending access codes.
              • Telegram says it's offering this program to make receiving access codes via SMS more reliable in certain areas. A more cynical read might be that the company is trying to avoid fees imposed for sending codes via SMS
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                The author has a conflict of interest with Telegram as they are promoting their premium subscription service and one-time passwords (OTP) in the article. The author also mentions that using Telegram's peer-to-peer login system is risky which could be seen as an attempt to discredit the company.
                • The article promotes Telegram's premium subscription service and one-time passwords (OTP) in a positive light.
                  • The author mentions that using Telegram's peer-to-peer login system is risky which could be seen as an attempt to discredit the company.
                  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                    The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of Telegram's Peer-to-Peer Login system as they are promoting it in their article. The author also mentions that using this feature can save $5 per month which could be seen as an incentive to use the service despite potential risks.
                    • The article mentions that using this feature can save $5 per month which could be seen as an incentive to use the service despite potential risks.
                      • The author promotes Telegram's Peer-to-Peer Login system and encourages readers to use it in order to save money.

                      74%

                      The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                      (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                      A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                      Telegram is offering some users a free premium plan, but there's a huge risk

                      ZDNet Tuesday, 26 March 2024 17:44
                      • Unique Points
                        • , The offer requires users to receive and forward one-time password codes meant for fellow Telegram users, which could expose their phone numbers.
                        • Telegram cannot prevent OTP recipients from seeing your phone number upon receiving SMS codes.
                      • Accuracy
                        • Telegram is offering a free premium plan to some users through its Peer-to-Peer Login program.
                        • , This scheme violates the purpose of multi-factor authentication in which your phone number plays a major security role. Hackers, scammers, and spammers would have access to a treasure trove of phone numbers through this process.
                        • , Telegram's FAQ page states that protecting personal data from third parties is important for internet privacy. This offer could compromise both security and privacy.
                      • Deception (80%)
                        The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title of the article suggests that there are risks associated with Telegram's new Peer-to-Peer Login program when in fact it is a security risk. Secondly, the author quotes an English translation of a Russian language Telegram channel which implies that this offer is only available to users from certain countries and on Android phones. However, according to the article itself, there are no restrictions based on country or phone type. Thirdly, the author states that once a user receives their gift code for a monthly Premium plan they would be able to see the phone numbers of anyone they send an SMS code to which is not true as per Telegram's Terms of Service. The article also fails to disclose any sources.
                        • The title suggests that there are risks associated with Telegram's new Peer-to-Peer Login program when in fact it is a security risk.
                      • Fallacies (85%)
                        The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by stating that Telegram is offering a free premium plan but there's a huge risk. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the potential consequences of this offer.
                        • > Revealed in an English translation of a Russian-language Telegram channel spotted by X user<br>AssembleDebug, the new offer would dole out the Premium plan for free. To qualify though, you'd have to agree to receive OTP (one-time password) codes meant for fellow Telegram users and forward them to the intended recipients.
                        • <p><strong>What is phishing?</strong></p><p>Everything you need to know to protect yourself from scammers
                        • Telegram cannot prevent the OTP recipient from seeing your phone number upon receiving your SMS.
                      • Bias (85%)
                        The article is biased towards the security risks of Telegram's new Peer-to-Peer Login program. The author uses language that dehumanizes hackers and scammers as if they are all malicious actors who will exploit this offer. They also use examples such as multi-factor authentication to make it seem like the program is a violation of common sense security and privacy, even though there may be legitimate reasons for using SMS codes in certain situations.
                        • The author uses language that dehumanizes hackers and scammers
                          • They use examples such as multi-factor authentication to make it seem like the program is a violation of common sense security and privacy
                          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication
                          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication

                          54%

                          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                          You may be offered a free premium Telegram subscription; say no

                          9to5Mac Ben Lovejoy Tuesday, 26 March 2024 11:40
                          • Unique Points
                            • Telegram is offering a free premium subscription to users who opt in to relay up to 150 texts per month.
                            • The company uses SMS to text one-time passwords and wants users' cellphone numbers for this purpose.
                          • Accuracy
                            • Users will be rewarded with a free premium subscription, saving them the usual $5 fee.
                          • Deception (30%)
                            The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author presents the offer as a sweet deal when it actually involves using your cellphone to relay sensitive data which could lead to harassment or other issues. Secondly, Telegram makes it clear that they will not be liable for any inconvenience, harassment or harm resulting from unwanted actions undertaken by users who became aware of your phone number through P2PL. This implies that the company is not taking responsibility for their own product and its potential consequences.
                            • Telegram uses SMS to text one-time passwords to users who login with two-factor authentication enabled.
                          • Fallacies (85%)
                            The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by citing The Verge as a source without providing any evidence or reasoning for their claim. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric when they describe the offer as 'sketchy' and 'obviously sketchy'. They also use dichotomous depiction by stating that either you are making your phone number available to up to 150 randoms each month or not. The article does not provide any evidence for this claim.
                            • The Verge notes the biggest problem: your phone number is visible to recipients.
                          • Bias (85%)
                            The article is biased towards the idea that Telegram's offer of a free premium subscription in exchange for relaying SMS one-time passwords (OTPs) is not worth it due to the potential risks and negative consequences. The author uses language like 'obviously sketchy', 'sketchy notion', and 'particularly bad place to employ the honor system' which shows a clear bias against Telegram's offer.
                            • Telegram makes it clear that your phone number is visible to recipients. Once an OTP has been sent from your number, the recipient might just text you back.
                              • The price of this particular free deal is way too high
                              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                                None Found At Time Of Publication
                              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                                None Found At Time Of Publication

                              73%

                              The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                              (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                              A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                              Telegram rolls out concerning peer-to-peer login program in exchange for free Premium subscriptions

                              PhoneArena.com Johanna Romero Tuesday, 26 March 2024 17:45
                              • Unique Points
                                • Telegram has rolled out a Peer-to-Peer Login Program (P2PL) to help users in locations where SMS is not reliable receive OTPs through other Telegram users.
                                • Participation in this program means that both you and the recipient of the OTP message can see each other's phone numbers, which can open you up to receiving unwanted messages and possibly harassment from someone whose number you unknowingly assisted with.
                              • Accuracy
                                No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                              • Deception (80%)
                                The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title implies that Telegram has rolled out a new feature for users to log into their accounts using other people's phone numbers as relays. However, this is not entirely accurate as it does not mention that participants will be responsible for any carrier fees and may open themselves up to receiving unwanted messages from strangers whose number they assisted with.
                                • The article mentions that the reward for this program is a free Telegram Premium subscription which normally costs $4.99 a month and unlocks extras like larger file uploads and faster downloads. However, it does not mention the risks associated with enrolling in this program.
                                • The article states that Telegram has rolled out a Peer-to-Peer Login Program (P2PL) which is designed to help users in locations where SMS is not very reliable receive OTPs through other Telegram users. However, it does not mention the risks associated with this program.
                                • The article mentions that participation in this program means that both you and the recipient of the OTP message can see each other's phone numbers which can open you up to receiving unwanted messages and possibly harassment from someone whose number you unknowingly assisted with. However, it does not mention Telegram's terms clearly stating they are not liable for any potential privacy breaches.
                              • Fallacies (75%)
                                The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by stating that Telegram is a privacy-minded alternative without providing any evidence. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the potential risks of the P2PL program.
                                • >Telegram has always been a privacy-minded alternative that often spearheads fresh messaging features.
                              • Bias (75%)
                                The article discusses Telegram's new Peer-to-Peer Login Program (P2PL) which allows users to receive OTP codes through other Telegram users. However, the program requires participants to allow Telegram access to their phone numbers up to 150 times a month for SMS messages and makes them responsible for any carrier fees incurred. Additionally, participation in the program means that both parties can see each other's phone numbers which can lead to privacy concerns. The article also mentions potential risks of receiving unwanted messages or harassment from someone whose number was assisted with through the P2PL program.
                                • participation in this program means that both you and the recipient of the OTP message can see each other's phone numbers
                                  • Telegram will tap into your number up to 150 times a month for these SMS messages to be sent out
                                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                    Johanna Romero has a conflict of interest with Telegram as she is reporting on their Peer-to-Peer Login Program (P2PL) and the potential privacy concerns associated with it. The article mentions that program participants' phone numbers become a relay for pins to be sent via SMS, which could expose users' personal information. Additionally, the article notes that Telegram does not take liability for any potential privacy breaches in this program.
                                    • The article mentions that program participants' phone numbers become a relay for pins to be sent via SMS.
                                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                      The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of Telegram's Peer-to-Peer Login Program (P2PL) as they are reporting on it in exchange for free Premium subscriptions. The article also mentions that program participants can see each other's phone numbers, which raises privacy concerns.
                                      • ✔Privacy. Participation in this program means that both you and the recipient of the OTP message can see each other✔s phone numbers.
                                        • Telegram rolls out concerning peer-to-peer login program in exchange for free Premium subscriptions