These 8 important new features on Telegram makes the platform more secure and private

Telegram has rolled out a bunch of new features that help in enhancing user experience and improve the level of security and privacy on the messaging app. These include the introduction of auto-deletion of messages for individual chats, a group chat feature called Broadcast Groups, easier ways to report spam content and fake accounts, expiring links etc.

We had just reported about these new additions Telegram is bringing in to make their platform better which were spotted in beta. These features are all official now. 

Here’s what you need to know about these new features:

1. Auto delete messages

The feature that allowed Telegram users to delete messages for all participants in a conversation at any point was earlier just available on Secret Chats on the platform. Now, this feature has been extended to normal chats as well. Users can set a timer for 24 hours or 7 days for any chat and the messages on these chats will disappear after the designated time frame. This feature is available both for solo chats and group chats. However, for group chats, only admins can set the timer.

Once the timer is set, all messages in the chat will display a timer showing a countdown to their deletion time and this can be tracked by simply tapping on the message on Android and by a long-press on the iOS.

Auto deletion only applies to messages after the timer is set, older messages that were exchanged before the timer was set remain as they are.

To enable the timer on Android, tap on Clear History then choose a duration.

On iOS, press and hold a message, tap Select, then tap on Clear Chat (top-left) and Enable Auto-Delete.

2. Broadcast groups

Telegram introduces a new form of group where only admins can send messages but all the participants can join the live voice chat for discussions via audio. Normal Telegram Groups allow 2,00,000 members and all groups that are close to this number can convert themselves to Broadcast groups. Broadcast Groups are ideal for large communities, where people can follow along, and catch exclusive interviews, news, or just drop in to listen to casual chatter (sounds just like Clubhouse? Yeah, it does!).

3. Improved reporting system

Telegram has introduced an improved reporting system which is much more efficient than what they had in place earlier. Users can now report any spam content, fake accounts, any content related to violence, child abuse, pornography, etc by simply selecting a specific message and reporting. Reporting options allow you to add a comment to give more context as to why you want that message reported.

4. Expiring invite links

In addition to a main joining link to any Telegram channel or group, admins can now create expiring links that have a limited time duration and also number of uses or both. This helps the admin maintain control over how many people are joining a group. 

Also Read: How to customise chats in Telegram

5. Scannable QR codes for invites

Telegram invite link can also been converted to scannable QR codes now and be printed as needed. Admins can also track from what sources more number of users are joining, this helps in mapping performance and growth of channels and groups.

6. Home screen widgets

Telegram users can now add widgets on their screen while they are on Android or iOS. The chat widget shows a preview of recent messages and the shortcut widget shows only names and profile pictures. On Android, the chats and messages in the widgets will always up to date with further expansion options and on iOS the updates will be occasional.

To add a widget, press and hold on your home screen, then tap Widgets on Android or the (+) on iOS and search for Telegram.

7. Improved chat import feature 

Telegram has now made it easier for users to sort imported messages by their original date if added to a Telegram chat that is new or has less than 1,000 messages. However, sorting by the original date is only available for one-on-one chats, all newly created groups and smaller existing groups. 

8. New animated emojis

Telegram has introduced new and updated animated emojis as well in an effort to make you chats more interactive and fun.