Telegram Introduces No-SIM Sign-ups With Blockchain-Powered Numbers

Telegram Introduces No-SIM Sign-ups With Blockchain-Powered Numbers

Popular messenger Telegram now allows users to open accounts without the need to provide their mobile phone numbers. With the app’s latest update, they can log in using blockchain-based numbers instead, and they can be purchased with cryptocurrency on the Fragment platform. Telegram Promises ‘New Era of Privacy’ With Accounts That Don’t Require Phone Numbers

One of the most popular messaging services in the crypto community, Telegram, has issued a new update to its application. The messenger now allows users to have an account without linking a cellphone number, an option that takes privacy to a new level, according to an announcement which insisted: Today starts a new era of privacy. You can have a Telegram account without a SIM card.

“On Telegram, your phone number was never visible to strangers — our users control who can see their number and whether others are allowed to find them by their phone number,” the Telegram team reminded.

From now on, however, they will not even need one in order to set up a new account with Telegram. Instead, they will be able to log in using blockchain-powered numbers, which will be anonymous, the statement released on Tuesday revealed.

The numbers will be available on Fragment, and can be purchased with toncoin (TON), the cryptocurrency used on the decentralized Open Network blockchain originally designed by Telegram. Fragment launched in late October as a blockchain auction platform and is also selling usernames.

Since May, Telegram users can send and receive toncoin directly within the chats. In 2019, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed a case against Telegram over the toncoin project, but in 2020 the messenger settled with the regulator.

Another privacy-oriented feature coming with this update allows you to set up a global timer to automatically delete messages in all new chats. It can be applied to existing chats as well. Self-destructing messages were introduced in 2013 but this new option expands user control, the company pointed out.

In June, Telegram announced it’s launching a premium tier of services, seeking to monetize its platform which has over 700 million monthly users. And in August, founder and CEO Pavel Durov hinted at a series of upcoming Web3 enhancements and talked about the benefits of reserved and tradable usernames, and group and channel links for auction. Tags in this story accounts, App, Blockchain, cellphone, Feature, Fragment, messaging, messaging app, messenger, mobile phone, Number, option, Phone, phone number, Privacy, sign-up, Sign-ups, SIM, SIM-Card, smart phone, Telegram, usernames, users

What other features do you expect from Telegram or the messenger you are using? Tell us in the comments section below. Lubomir Tassev

Lubomir Tassev is a journalist from tech-savvy Eastern Europe who likes Hitchens’s quote: “Being a writer is what I am, rather than what I do.” Besides crypto, blockchain and fintech, international politics and economics are two other sources of inspiration. Report: FTX Execs Offered Taylor Swift $100M to Endorse the Exchange, Source Says Singer Never Considered the Deal NEWS | 5 hours ago Data From October Shows Gold Reserves Held by Central Banks Tapped the Highest Level in 47 Years NEWS | 7 hours ago

Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons, wichayada suwanachun / Shutterstock.com Previous articleReport: FTX Execs Offered Taylor Swift $100M to Endorse the Exchange, Source Says Singer Never Considered the Deal Next articleStrike Launches Bitcoin Lightning Network-Enabled Money Transfers to Africa Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article. Read disclaimerShow comments More Popular NewsIn Case You Missed ItCentral Bank of Brazil Confirms It Will Run a Pilot Test for Its CBDC This Year

The Central Bank of Brazil has confirmed that the institution will run a pilot test regarding the implementation of its proposed central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital real. Roberto Campos Neto, president of the bank, also stated that this ... read more.SEC Risks Violating Admin Procedure Act by Rejecting Spot Bitcoin ETFs, Says Grayscale UAE Airliner Emirates to Launch NFTs and Experiences in the Metaverse Interest in Real Estate Investments in Spain Grew 400%, With Some Using Crypto and Stocks as Payment Method Digital Ruble ‘Much Needed,’ Russia’s Central Bank Says, Won’t Delay Testing