This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/telegrambots by /u/Upstairs-Listen-2341 on 2025-07-27 09:31:49+00:00.

I’ve been developing Telegram bots for years. Worked with different teams, audited dozens of systems, explored the Telegram API inside-out. And let me tell you this upfront: there is no real anonymity on Telegram

If you think hiding your phone number, username, or avatar keeps you safe that’s just surface-level Anyone with access to the right bots (and there are many) can instantly retrieve:

Your phone number (even if it’s “hidden”)

A list of groups and channels you’re in or were ever part of

Your approximate location, based on metadata and behavioral patterns

Links to other social media accounts tied to your Telegram ID I’ve been developing Telegram bots for years. Worked with different teams, audited dozens of systems, explored the Telegram API inside-out. And let me tell you this upfront: there is no real anonymity on Telegram

If you think hiding your phone number, username, or avatar keeps you safe that’s just surface-level. Anyone with access to the right bots (and there are many) can instantly retrieve:

Your phone number (even if it’s “hidden”)

A list of groups and channels you’re in or were ever part of

Your approximate location, based on metadata and behavioral patterns

Links to other social media accounts tied to your Telegram ID

Old usernames and display names, even if you changed them long ago

In some cases, even a list of contacts you interacted with

And no this doesn’t require hacking. These are publicly accessible methods exploiting gaps Telegram has left wide open for years

I’m not writing this as an angry user I’m speaking as someone who’s been deep in the system

I’ve seen:

Telegram data cross-referenced with leaked info from other platforms

“Anonymous” accounts connected to real identities within minutes

Bots selling this kind of access for $5-$10 in broad daylight

And what does Telegram do? Nothing No transparency. No fix. No user warnings

Why speak out now?

Because I believe action is needed spreading private information to just any user, including those with bad intent, is a serious risk This isn’t just a tech issue it’s a safety issue. And it’s only getting worse