Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, recently shared a bold idea with prominent tech figures regarding how people sign into messaging apps in a world where mobile numbers often act as gatekeepers. The gist of his message centers on a future where a Telegram account can be created and accessed without tying the user to a traditional SIM card. Instead, authentication would leverage a blockchain based anonymous identifier, a concept that aligns with ongoing conversations about privacy, portability, and user sovereignty in digital communications. In this vision, the act of joining the platform would hinge on a decentralized number service rather than a carrier assignment, potentially reducing dependence on telecom infrastructure and giving users greater control over their digital identity. The note was conveyed in a letter in which the sender acknowledged the interest of the recipients and outlined how such a system could preserve access while enhancing user privacy, especially for those who are wary of linking their real identities to online services. This approach signals a shift toward more flexible identity models that separate account creation from traditional mobile verification, potentially reshaping how people think about signups across social networks and messaging tools.
In response, the message emphasizes that the road to a SIM free login would not compromise the core value that many users expect from messaging platforms: simplicity, speed, and reliability. The writer expressed appreciation for the dialogue and outlined how blockchain based anonymous numbers could enable a seamless entry into the Telegram ecosystem. By decoupling signups from phone numbers, the system could offer enhanced privacy options, while retaining the ability to recover access through secure, decentralized methods. This perspective resonates with recent debates among leaders in the tech industry about reducing dependence on mobile numbers, which can be misused for tracking or credential stuffing. It also highlights a broader trend toward digital identity solutions that prioritize user control without sacrificing usability.
These reflections come as high profile figures in the tech world, including Jack Dorsey and Elon Musk, have repeatedly argued for alternatives to traditional mobile verification. Durov’s hypothetical feature would allow existing users to migrate or verify their presence without exposing a phone based identity, addressing concerns about data leaks and SIM swaps. The envisioned system would rely on verifiable, privacy preserving identifiers registered on a blockchain, coupled with robust recovery mechanisms and clear consent controls. For people who value anonymity or reside in regions with strict or unreliable mobile services, such an option could lower barriers to communication while still providing a trusted means of account restoration if needed. The conversation underscores Telegram’s ongoing interest in evolving identity frameworks, as it seeks to balance accessibility with protection against fraud and abuse.
Ultimately, the prospect of starting a Telegram account with a random anonymous number purchased through a platform like Fragment illustrates practical steps toward the larger shift. If users could obtain an independent, verifiable identifier that works across services, the barrier to entry would drop for new users while the ecosystem could implement uniform security policies that protect both individuals and communities. The idea invites careful examination of how such numbers are issued, how user consent is recorded, and how interoperability across platforms could be achieved without sacrificing privacy. By examining the potential benefits and the possible risks, observers can better understand how a SIM free login might interact with existing authentication methods, what changes would be required in service architectures, and what safeguards would ensure that anonymity does not become a loophole for abuse. In this evolving landscape, the focus remains on empowering users to control their digital presence with clarity, ease, and accountability, all while preserving the core values that have made Telegram a popular choice for private messaging and secure communication (Telegram).