Telegram Information

We use Telegram for our membership & group communications. We’ve found it to be a valuable platform, but it's crucial that we all use it securely and with privacy in mind.

 

If you don’t already have a Telegram account, please take a moment to download the app and create one. It’s available on iOS, MacOS, Android and PC/Linux.

 

To ensure the highest level of privacy and discretion for all members, we've compiled a few key suggestions from fellow members regarding the account setup process:

 

1. Phone Number:

• A valid telephone number is required for Telegram. If you prefer not to use your personal number, we strongly recommend using a virtual number service.

• Consider using apps such as Google Voice, TextNow, or Burner. These services provide you with a virtual number that can receive calls and text messages. This adds a layer of privacy and separation from your personal contact information.

 

2. Contact Access, Data Sharing and Privacy:

• During the setup process, it is critical that you limit information sharing.
• Do NOT allow Telegram access to your contacts unless you are certain you want to. It’s best to avoid sharing any data from your phone with the app besides photos.
• Carefully review all the privacy settings tabs. Change all relevant settings to either "contacts only" or, "nobody can see." This will help minimize the information shared with both Telegram and other users.
• Most importantly, ensure that your phone number is set to "nobody can see" within the privacy settings. This is especially important for our members who wish to maintain a higher level of discretion.