Telegram has rolled out another update packed with features that change how the app handles privacy, visibility, and control over who can reach a user. The changes were highlighted in a recent report from Durov Code, which tracks developments around the platform and its ecosystem.
One notable addition is a new option for Telegram Premium subscribers to limit incoming messages. In practice, premium users can set messages to arrive only from people saved in their phonebook, reducing unsolicited messages from others. This creates a calmer messaging environment for those who value tighter controls over who can contact them. The feature aligns with a broader trend among leading messaging apps toward more granular message filtering for paying customers, offering a tangible benefit to users who invest in the premium tier.
Privacy tweaks have also been introduced. Telegram Premium users can now hide their online status from others while still seeing the online presence of other users, preserving a level of awareness about who is active. In addition, a selectable blacklist lets premium subscribers prevent certain people from viewing their status, regardless of whether those individuals are using the paid service. This adds a practical layer of discretion for conversations that might involve sensitive or personal topics, while still allowing reciprocal visibility for trusted contacts.
Another headline feature is the ability to see exactly when a recipient reads a message within chats. Previously, users could only tell that a message had been opened, without precise timing. The new read-receipt detail increases transparency in conversations and helps users manage expectations around response times and engagement. This enhancement is part of Telegram’s ongoing effort to provide clearer communication signals while offering more customization options to meet different privacy and coordination needs.
Telegram remains a widely used instant messaging platform with a global footprint. Developed in part by Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov, the service has attracted a large and active user base that constantly seeks more control over privacy, speed, and features. Current usage statistics place monthly active users well into the hundreds of millions, underscoring Telegram’s position as a major player in the messaging landscape. The company continues to iterate on safety, reliability, and user experience to maintain its appeal across diverse markets, including Canada and the United States, where communications preferences can vary by region and network conditions.
In related news, chatter around feature updates on other platforms, such as WhatsApp for iPhone, reflects a broader industry trend toward expanding privacy controls and read receipts across major messaging ecosystems. Editors and analysts note that users now expect granular permissions, tighter privacy settings, and more granular controls over who can see activity indicators and contact lists, regardless of the service they choose to use. This competitive dynamic pushes all platforms to offer more flexible options while keeping performance and reliability at the forefront of product design.