Option to set an alternative passcode ("double bottom") that either opens a limited set of chats, opens a different account, or destroys one of the connected accounts completely when entered.
Use cases
Could be used by political activists in opressive countries when they are required to unlock their chats.
Potential issues
If such an emergency passcode is set, the app won't be able to use your fingerprints or other biometric data to unlock chats. As a result, the absense of biometric unlock could be used a clear indicator that a person has something significant to hide – and it becomes impossible to prove this is not the case.
This might provide a false sense of security and might actually make the situation worse for an activist's or an innocent bystander.
Agree! You should be able to define if you want to destroy one, two or all the accounts and also if only locally or also in the cloud!
I
I C
The absense of biometric unlock is not a problem when you actually use them to open up a hidden (clean) account by default. You can switch accout safely everytime you've unlocked the app. Yes, it is not that convenient to switch accounts every time but my guess is that this feature worth it. Also, not every user uses biometric data to log in. You can always says that you are fearing that Apple/Google know you biometric data and can use it against you. In the end of the day no one forces users to use that feature. By the way, "People nearby" feature is much more dangerous because it allows to track down a user with meter accuracy by triangulation and fake gps techniques and this is still available to use
Ludovico
Any news? I've info from Ukrainian activist that says that this could be a game changer!
Kamil Fo
it is necessary to add the function of hiding some of the chats and so that they are visible only when entering a special password and so that it cannot be tracked. this could stop torture and sexual abuse by law enforcement in some countries.
Kamil Fo
if there is an unlock function using biometrics, no one interferes with using the face or finger of the detainee during torture without his consent.
𝒟𝑒𝓉𝑒𝒸𝓉𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝒟𝐸𝒩
Well implemented in Messenger Graph (alternative version of the telegram): there to display the password entry menu (which is required to open the second row) you need to do a random action: press and hold the search button or something else
Felipe
If this feature at least makes it to Telegram premium, I'll seriously consider subscribing.
Rüdiger
It's also useful for procrastinators, locking away distracting groups, while having important tasks like preparing for exams... 😉
D
Deleted Account
Good idea, we also need an icon that represents the security and privacy of telegram, like a simple shield with a key
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