Telegram for macOS website download vs App store version

[MacinMan]

Hey all, just a quick question that I haven't found an answer for yet. Telegram has downloads for two apps both on the Mac App store, and their Website: Telegram, and Telegram Lite. I understand and know the differences between those two. What I'm unclear on is: Is there advantage of downloading Telegram through their website, or getting it through the Mac App store. Some apps are the same exact app, and it's simply distributed through different channels. Others have more, or different features when not obtained through the Mac App store, and this is what I was curious about. Currently I have the two telegram apps installed through the Mac App store. However, would I gain anything different from installing them directly from the telegram website. I've checked their FAQ, and they don't mention anything other than what I've already understood about Telegram vs Telegram Lite.

If anyone can shed some light thanks.

 

[KaliYoni]

Is there advantage of downloading Telegram through their website, or getting it through the Mac App store

From a security perspective, using an App Store version provides an additional layer of defense against malicious code embedded in the software. Apple, of course, is not perfect nor incessantly vigilant but multiple layers of protection against attacks is almost always better. At a minimum, it can be easier staying current with updates when macOS takes care of notifications and downloads at a system level rather than relying on individual applications to self-update.

Now, if you are interested in minimizing your personal security and privacy risk levels, Telegram may not be the best choice for chat/IMs/SMS replacement. I won't go into detail in this particular post but there are widely held–easily found using your preferred search engine–concerns about Telegram's encryption, data handling, and developers.

----------
For anybody interested in a deeper dive into this stuff, here are three resources for starters:

Surveillance Self-Defense

We’re the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an independent non-profit working to protect online privacy for over thirty years. This is Surveillance Self-Defense: our expert guide to protecting you and your friends from online spying. Read the BASICS to find out how online surveillance works. Dive...

ssd.eff.org

Every Step to Simple Online Security

Online security is for everyone. Our simple and affordable tips will show you how to drastically reduce your risks online.

www.nytimes.com

Digital Safety Guide

In-depth measures for prevention, harm-reduction, and improved digital hygiene when experiencing or anticipating online harassment. Updated from Feminist Frequency's Speak Up & Stay Safe(r).

onlinesafety.feministfrequency.com

 

[MacinMan]

From a security perspective, using an App Store version provides an additional layer of defense against malicious code embedded in the software. Apple, of course, is not perfect nor incessantly vigilant but multiple layers of protection against attacks is almost always better. At a minimum, it can be easier staying current with updates when macOS takes care of notifications and downloads at a system level rather than relying on individual applications to self-update.

Now, if you are interested in minimizing your personal security and privacy risk levels, Telegram may not be the best choice for chat/IMs/SMS replacement. I won't go into detail in this particular post but there are widely held–easily found using your preferred search engine–concerns about Telegram's encryption, data handling, and developers.

----------
For anybody interested in a deeper dive into this stuff, here are three resources for starters:

Surveillance Self-Defense

We’re the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an independent non-profit working to protect online privacy for over thirty years. This is Surveillance Self-Defense: our expert guide to protecting you and your friends from online spying. Read the BASICS to find out how online surveillance works. Dive...

ssd.eff.org

Every Step to Simple Online Security

Online security is for everyone. Our simple and affordable tips will show you how to drastically reduce your risks online.

www.nytimes.com

Digital Safety Guide

In-depth measures for prevention, harm-reduction, and improved digital hygiene when experiencing or anticipating online harassment. Updated from Feminist Frequency's Speak Up & Stay Safe(r).

onlinesafety.feministfrequency.com

Thanks for the feedback. I'll keep this in mind. I went ahead and deleted the App store version and installed from their site. The biggest difference I noticed is the App has a built in updater, so will see if I get updates faster than what came through the app store version. Beyond that, it looks identical. I did this while waiting for replies to the question, to see if I noticed anything for myself.

 

[tosbsas]

The website Even offers a Beta versión that is updated very often.

Those comments about Telegram being dangerous are wierd. Should we use WhatsApp instead? And Right now Telegram is the best way to be up to date about stuff going on in the Ucraine

 

[tosbsas]

Been using Telegram for 19 years now, Never looked back at WhatsApp / Meta stuff

 

[MacinMan]

The website Even offers a Beta versión that is updated very often.

Those comments about Telegram being dangerous are wierd. Should we use WhatsApp instead? And Right now Telegram is the best way to be up to date about stuff going on in the Ucraine

I've never heard anything about security issues with Telegram. In fact people have always have said for a secure platform, and end to end encryption that telegram was one of the best.

 

[KaliYoni]

Should we use WhatsApp instead?

If privacy is important, any product connected to Meta/Facebook is not a good choice.

For SMS/IM/chat, an alternative to Apple Messages, Telegram, and WhatsApp is Signal. Obviously, anybody who needs to prioritize security and/or privacy should do their own research but many non-profits and NGOs recommend Signal.

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For anybody interested, this is the Electronic Frontier Foundation's guide to using Signal on iOS:

How to: Use Signal on iOS

We've updated this guide to a new page. Please see the new version here. Signal is a free and open source software application for Android, iOS, and Desktop that employs end-to-end encryption to keep communications safe. Communications can be made between either individuals or a group, allowing...

ssd.eff.org