S
Signal
Privacy by Default
Built by cryptographers. All messages are end-to-end encrypted with the Signal Protocol. Metadata protection via Sealed Sender. Post-quantum resistant since 2023.
Signal ProtocolSGX TEEPost-Quantum
T
Telegram
Convenience First
Popular for features and speed. Regular chats are NOT end-to-end encrypted - Telegram can read them. "Secret Chats" offer E2E but are opt-in and rarely used.
MTProtoE2E Opt-in Only
Privacy Metric Comparison
Color indicates privacy strength: green = strong, red = weak
| Metric | Signal | Telegram |
|---|---|---|
End-to-End Encryption Messages encrypted so only sender/receiver can read | Always On | Opt-in (Secret Chats) |
Metadata Protection Hides who talks to whom | Sealed Sender | None |
Open Source Code publicly auditable | Full Client + Server | Client Only |
Post-Quantum Ready Resistant to quantum computers | PQXDH (2023) | No |
Group Chat Privacy Privacy in group conversations | Encrypted + Sealed | Not E2E |
Key Insight: Telegram prioritizes features and growth over privacy. If privacy matters, Signal is the clear choice. However, Telegram's reach means many privacy-sensitive conversations still happen there - understand the tradeoffs.
Explore the Full Graph
See all 48 privacy projects and their technology connections in our interactive visualization.
Open Privacy Tech Graph