What Data Is Generated and Stored When Users Use Telegram Passport?

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Telegram Passport is a relatively new feature introduced by Telegram to streamline and secure the process of identity verification for users. It allows users to store personal identification documents and share them easily with services that require identity verification, such as financial institutions, cryptocurrency exchanges, or government agencies. This feature aims to simplify KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures while maintaining user privacy and security. But what kind of data does Telegram Passport generate and store, and how is it handled?

Types of Data Generated and Stored by Telegram Passport
When users set up Telegram Passport, they upload sensitive telegram data personal information and identification documents. This typically includes:

Government-issued IDs: Passports, national ID cards, driver’s licenses.

Personal details: Full name, date of birth, address, phone number.

Selfies or biometric data: Photos for facial verification.

Additional documents: Proof of address (utility bills, bank statements), tax IDs, and other documents required by third-party services for identity verification.

All of this data is critical for verifying a person’s identity and is highly sensitive.

How Telegram Passport Handles User Data
Telegram Passport emphasizes security and privacy in its design. The data uploaded to Telegram Passport is:

End-to-End Encrypted: Unlike regular cloud chats where Telegram holds encryption keys, the data stored in Telegram Passport is protected with end-to-end encryption. This means only the user and the authorized recipient can decrypt the information. Telegram itself cannot access or read these documents.

Stored Securely in the Cloud: The encrypted data is stored on Telegram’s servers, enabling users to access and share it from any device without re-uploading documents each time.

User-Controlled Sharing: Telegram Passport requires user consent before sharing any data with third parties. Users select which documents to share with a specific service, and only the chosen documents are transmitted.

Data Sharing and Usage
When a user submits their Telegram Passport data to a service (e.g., a financial institution), Telegram securely transmits the encrypted information. Because of the end-to-end encryption, Telegram acts as a conduit but cannot decrypt the data. This approach significantly enhances privacy compared to traditional KYC methods, where documents might be stored on the service provider’s servers with varying security standards.

Security and Privacy Considerations
Despite the strong encryption and privacy protections, users should be aware that the sensitivity of Telegram Passport data makes it a potential target for cyberattacks. To mitigate this risk:

Telegram Passport requires strong passwords and offers two-step verification to protect accounts.

Users are advised to only share their data with trusted services.

Telegram’s encryption model ensures that data breaches at Telegram’s servers do not expose Passport data in plaintext form.

Limitations and Regulatory Compliance
Telegram Passport aims to comply with global regulations related to data protection, such as GDPR in Europe, by giving users control over their data. However, Telegram does not store decrypted copies of the documents, which means they cannot assist in identity verification disputes or recover lost Passport data.

Conclusion
In summary, Telegram Passport generates and stores highly sensitive personal identification data, including government IDs, personal information, and biometric photos. This data is stored in Telegram’s cloud infrastructure with end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only users and authorized third parties can access it. Telegram’s role is limited to securely transmitting encrypted data without the ability to read or store it in plaintext. This privacy-centric approach to identity verification sets Telegram Passport apart from many traditional KYC methods, giving users greater control and security over their personal information.