Telegram launches SIM-free signups with blockchain-powered numbers – Bitcoin News

Popular messenger Telegram now allows users to open accounts without having to provide their cell phone number. With the latest update to the app, they can log in using blockchain-based numbers instead, and they can be purchased with crypto-currencies on the Fragment platform.

Telegram promises a “new era of privacy” with accounts that do not require a phone number

One of the most popular messaging services in the crypto community, Telegram, has released a new update to its app. The messenger now allows users to have an account without associating a cell phone number, an option that takes privacy to a new level, according to an announcement that insisted :

Today begins a new era of privacy. You can have a Telegram account without a SIM card.

“On Telegram, your phone number has never been visible to strangers – our users control who can see their number and whether others are allowed to find them by their phone number“, reminded the Telegram team.

As of now, however, they won’t even need one to create a new account on Telegram. Instead, they will be able to log in using blockchain-powered numbers, which will be anonymous, the statement released Tuesday revealed.

The numbers will be available on Fragment and can be purchased with toncoin (TON), the crypto-currency used on the decentralized Open Network blockchain originally designed by Telegram. Fragment launched in late October as an auction platform on the blockchain and also sells usernames.

Since May, Telegram users can send and receive toncoins directly in chats. In 2019, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed a complaint against Telegram over the toncoin project, but in 2020, the messenger reached a settlement with the regulator.

Another privacy-focused feature coming with this update allows you to set a global timer to automatically delete messages in all new chats. It can also be applied to existing chats. Messages self-destructing were introduced in 2013, but this new option expands the user’s control, the company noted.

In June, Telegram announced it was launching a premium tier of services, seeking to monetize its platform, which has more than 700 million monthly users. And in August, founder and CEO Pavel Durov hinted at a series of upcoming Web3 enhancements and talked about the benefits of reserved and tradeable usernames, as well as group and channel links for auction.