[Текст на српском] Despite not being the ultimate proof of quality encryption, the apps under state-attack deserve most of the attention. Do we know such app?
While at the platform level we do not have a choice of privacy-oriented OS, new generation apps will bring privacy through encryption and decentralization regardless of the platform. You really can't rely on the privacy promises of Apple Inc., Windows or any other corporation that make devices based on Android. They are centralized entities which — even if they would honestly wish — could not protect your privacy. That is precisely the reason why blockchain technology emerged.
Bitcoin was the first implementation of the new, decentralized way of secure data distribution and protection. But blockchain can be shaped for any use, not just value transfer. So we got Steemit as the alternative for the common centralized social platforms. What do we have as an alternative for a global phone, SMS and email communication? is it Telegram?
What is Telegram?
Telegram is a messaging app with a focus on speed and security, it’s super-fast, simple and free. You can use Telegram on all your devices at the same time — your messages sync seamlessly across any number of your phones, tablets or computers.
Telegram is a creation of Russian brothers, Pavel and Nikolai Durov, from Sankt Petersburg. Pavel supports Telegram financially and ideologically while Nikolai's input is technological. To make Telegram possible, Nikolai developed a unique custom data protocol, which is open, secure and optimized for work with multiple data-centers. As a result, Telegram combines security, reliability and speed on any network.
With Telegram, you can send messages, photos, videos and files of any type (doc, zip, mp3, etc), as well as create groups for up to 50,000 people or channels for broadcasting to unlimited audiences. You can write to your phone contacts and find people by their usernames. As a result, Telegram is like SMS and email combined — and can take care of all your personal or business messaging needs. In addition to this, we support end-to-end encrypted voice calls.
Now, here are the big news…
The Black Friday
On Friday, April 13, just weeks after the project raised $1.7 bln in its ICO presale to support the development of its own Blockchain platform, Russian authorities have demanded ISPs ban the Telegram! Following the brief court session, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov released fighting words on his personal channel and across social media, writing that privacy is “not for sale”.
Pavel Durov (source)
Telegram’s official position is that it technically can’t hand over encryption keys because they are stored on individual users’ devices, not in a central location. But even if it could, Durov has said: “the requirements of the FSB to provide access to private correspondence of users are unconstitutional.”
Following the decision, Durov posted on his VKontakte account that Russians should not delete or reinstall the Telegram app, his three points:
- Telegram will use built-in methods to bypass the block, which do not require additional steps from users, but the company cannot give a 100% guarantee of service availability without VPN.
- Third-party VPN/Proxy-might be overloaded, which is likely to result in slow operation during the first hours after the block.
- Regardless of the block, Telegram will be able to send notifications to all Russian users to keep them informed of the developments.
So, we came to the point where we can see how effective state force can be against the encrypted and decentralized platforms.
In the meantime, Durov has started a billion dollar ICO, raising money via a token sale to develop a crypto currency and blockchain platform. Telegram already has 200,000,000 monthly active users. Imagine a platform with so much users, that is paying for your phone communication just like Steemit pays on your computer… Exciting times, isn't it?
So, do give Telegram a try. At best, you'll discover a beautiful way to protect your data despite the prying eyes, ears, noses and fingers that riddle your smartphone. At worst, you'll learn to use VPN. 😊
