Telegram, the instant messaging app, has introduced a new feature in a recent update to its app that allows WhatsApp users to move their chat history over to Telegram.
The move comes amid the updated Privacy Policy agreement revealed by WhatsApp that prompted many users across the globe to migrate to other encrypted messenger alternatives such as Signal and Telegram.
For those unaware, WhatsApp had updated its Privacy Policy wherein the service was supposed to start sharing user data with other Facebook companies starting February 8th. However, following sharp criticism and mass migration by WhatsApp users to other chat platforms, the company has delayed the enforcement of its controversial Privacy Policy agreement until May 15th to give people time to review the policy at their own pace.
“Over 100 million new users joined Telegram this January, seeking more privacy and freedom. But what about the messages and memories that remain in older apps?,” Telegram said in its announcement on Thursday.
“Starting today, everyone can bring their chat history – including videos and documents – to Telegram from apps like WhatsApp, Line and KakaoTalk. This works both for individual chats and groups.”
Move your message history from apps like WhatsApp, Line and KakaoTalk to Telegram. https://t.co/PediepRhyt pic.twitter.com/VPeuilGt2T
— Telegram Messenger (@telegram) January 28, 2021
To move a chat from WhatsApp on iOS, you will need to open the Contact Info or Group Info page in WhatsApp, tap Export Chat, then choose Telegram in the Share menu. On Android, you can open a WhatsApp chat, tap ? > More > Export Chat, then choose Telegram in the Share menu.
Here's how you can move your chats to Telegram if you're on Android. pic.twitter.com/VMq3mAeteq
— Telegram Messenger (@telegram) January 28, 2021
WhatsApp for iOS also lets you export chats directly from the chat list. Swipe left on a chat, then choose ‘…’ > Export Chat. Messages will be imported into the current day but will also include their original timestamps. All members of the chat on Telegram will see the messages.
The update also allows users to delete messages, groups they created, secret chats, and call history for all sides, without a trace. Other updates include adjusting the volume for each participant in a voice chat, viewing of active voice chats from the call history page, greet new users in one tap with a suggested sticker, improved VoiceOver support, and reporting of fake channels or groups impersonating people or organizations.
