Britain’s messaging app Telegram has added a new feature onto its platform which allows users to store their identity documents such as Passport Numbers or social security numbers on telegram’s encrypted cloud storage. The objective of this feature is to allow users to showcase their identity documents to Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and cryptocurrency exchange sites to verify their identity.
But security experts suggest that identity documents storage on cloud storage platforms can invite more trouble to those who are strictly concerned about data privacy. It’s like pleading hackers to invade your privacy.
However, Telegram says that the data loaded onto its cloud platforms will be highly protected and has specified in its statement that users will be the sole proprietors to whatever data is being fed to the cloud by them.
As the usage of cryptocurrency is spreading like wildfire all throughout the world, and as the holiday season is fast approaching, companies dealing with digital coins or those acting as payment gateways to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoins, Monero and Litecoins are and will insist on users proving their identity to the service providers.
“This is where the trouble starts..” says Elliot Anderson, a French security expert. Elliot who owns a security company doing pen tests says that sensitive information share can put your future into jeopardy. The data can land them into financial frauds and can also lead you into the legal mess.
Meanwhile, Telegram has issued a press statement that the data stored on its cloud will be in highly encrypted form and will soon be moved to a decentralized storage i.e dispersed storage platforms.
Note- Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging app which also offers VOIP services. Although the company claims to have registered itself in London, its founder and entrepreneur Pavel Durov have accepted that the servers of the said app operate from his home country Russia. Countries like Indonesia, Iran, and Russia to a certain extent tried their best to ban the app. But it’s said that only Iran succeeded in doing so on a complete note. And Indonesia and Russia failed in their attempt due to the immense popularity among the internet using populace of their respective countries.
