Telegram update boosts user privacy options with new features

Telegram on PC
Telegram on PC (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Telegram's December 2021 update includes several features that focus on privacy.
  • Users can now prevent others from saving content or forwarding messages.
  • The ability to manage connected devices was also added in the recent update.

Telegram just rolled out its December update, and it includes several privacy features for the communication app. Users can now delete messages from a specific date, prevent others from forwarding content from a group, and easily manage connected devices. The update also brings several other features, such as support for anonymous posting in public groups and the ability to log in through a phone call.

The focus of this update is privacy. Within groups and channels, owners can restrict message forwarding, screenshot taking, and limit the ability to save media from a post.

In one-on-one chats, people can now clear the chat history from a specific day or a date range with a few taps.

The devices menu within Telegram now has a button to quickly link a desktop device. It also has the option to automatically log out inactive devices after a period of time.

Here's everything that's new in Telegram's December 2021 update:

  • Protected Content in Groups and Channels
  • Delete Messages by Date
  • Manage Connected Devices
  • Anonymous Posting in Public Groups
  • New Ways to Log In via Call
  • Responses to Join Requests
  • Global Chat Themes on Android
  • Text Recognition on iOS 13+
  • Format Text in Media Captions on iOS
  • Redesigned Contact Info on iOS

Many of the features should roll out to all platforms on which Telegram is available, though some options are limited to specific platforms.

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Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.