Telegram introduces payment model

The messenger Telegram, which is increasingly criticized, will introduce a payment model this month. Additional functions will be released in exchange for payment. A free basic version will continue to be available.

No concrete information

Telegram has so far held back on concrete information about the content of the premium version. The founder of the app, Pavel Durov, has so far only spoken with hints. For example, he announced that the new paid version should offer more speed and more resources than the basic version. However, it is unclear what exactly is meant by this.

Other statements by Durov indicate that new features will be available earlier in the premium version. Furthermore, Telegram seems to want to offer the option of sending larger files in the premium version. Where exactly the line is drawn here is unclear. Beebom magazine assumes that it will be four GB in the premium version. So far, uploads are limited to two GB.

Speculation about new features

Media reports contain other speculations, mostly based on vague statements made by Telegram founder Durov. For example, it is speculated that the paid version will enable faster downloading of documents. Special stickers and response options are also mentioned as conceivable unique selling points compared to the basic version. This is indicated by reports from a beta version, in which certain stickers were marked with the inscription “Telegram Premium”.

Basic features to remain free

Durov also explicitly stated that the app’s basic functions will remain free – in what Telegram will differ from, say, WhatsApp. Those who have been using Telegram up to now will therefore still be able to use the app at least to the extent they are familiar with, without having to shell out any money. Durov further pointed out that users of the free version will at least be able to view all files and co that they could not upload or create themselves. So if a person using the premium version uploads a four GB file, all those people who are not willing to pay for Telegram will also be able to view it and respond to it.

Durov justifies the introduction of the payment model by saying that Telegram will become too expensive to operate in the long run if no other source of funding is found. However, Durov does not want to finance the service primarily through advertising.

Criticism of Telegram

Telegram has long been criticized for being a haven for conspiracy believers, who also incite violence and publish death lists in Telegram groups. Telegram is largely inaccessible to law enforcement agencies: the company is based in Dubai and generally does not cooperate with inquiries.

However, the messenger is extremely popular with its target group – which is probably also due to the promise of “forever free,” which has not been broken, but has been widely interpreted.