People should not assume that Telegram bots are safe just because they are convenient. In many cases, scammers create bots to harvest personal information. Vladimir Ulyanov, who leads the Zecurion analytical center, highlighted that some bots act as tools for stealing data from unsuspecting users. He cautioned that trusting a bot is risky because it is unclear where the information goes or who ultimately benefits from it. When a user interacts with a bot, some information inevitably travels to the bot itself, which raises important privacy questions. This warning comes from critical examinations of how these bots operate and who may have access to the data they collect.
According to the expert, some bots can be linked to chats and may access the messages people share. In such cases, private exchanges could potentially be exposed to scammers. The level of access a bot has depends on its design and the permissions it requests. This makes it essential for users to be cautious about what they share with a bot, especially when a purchase or financial information is involved. If a transaction is prompted by a bot, it should only be trusted when the creator of the bot is regarded as legitimate and trustworthy by the user. Without that trust, sensitive data, including payment details, should not be entered into any bot interface.
Privacy settings on the user’s device or within the messaging app influence how much data a bot can access. It is possible to encounter scenarios where a user is in close proximity to a bot in a chat and feels secure, but the bot may still have the ability to gather information behind the scenes. The risk increases when users voluntarily provide personal data or when the bot has access to ongoing conversations. In those cases, there is a heightened potential for leakage to third parties, including fraudsters. This is not merely a technical concern; it touches on everyday behavior and the ethical responsibilities of developers.
Experts emphasize that user privacy should be treated as a core consideration when deploying chatbots. There is a broader debate about whether the convenience of chat-enabled services justifies the potential exposure of personal data. The ethical implications of collecting, storing, and using personal information in chatbots require ongoing scrutiny by developers, policymakers, and the public. Users should approach new chatbot features with a mindset of skepticism and informed consent, especially when personal or financial data may be involved. The goal is to maintain transparency about what data is collected, how it is stored, and who may access it, while also offering clear opt-out options whenever possible. This balanced approach helps preserve trust and reduces the risk of unexpected data sharing.
In related news, a case involving a retired individual in Moscow has underscored the risks associated with fraud and investment schemes that exploit digital channels. There were reports that a person relinquished property and a significant sum of money after engaging with fraudulent actors who used online platforms to solicit investments. This incident serves as a cautionary tale that fraudsters can present themselves convincingly online, making careful verification essential before making any financial commitments or sharing sensitive information. It also highlights the importance of regulatory protections and practical steps users can take to safeguard their assets and personal data against similar schemes. These risks are not static; they evolve as technology changes and new features emerge in chat-based services. Staying informed and adopting prudent security practices remain among the best defenses for individuals navigating the digital landscape.