If you've ever had a video call on Telegram, you've probably noticed those emoticons that appear at the top of the screen. These icons may seem random and non-interactive, but they conceal a compelling story about security and communication.
When we think of emoticons, we recall those small faces and symbols we use daily to express our feelings and thoughts. For some people, these icons are their primary means of self-expression, making them an essential part of our digital communication. However, in Telegram video calls, these emoticons play a completely different and crucial role.
What do the four emojis mean in Telegram video calls and why should I disconnect immediately if they are not the same?
These emoticons serve to confirm the security of the conversation. If the four icons appearing at the top of your screen match those on your chat partner's screen, it means the call is end-to-end encrypted. This type of encryption ensures that the conversation cannot be intercepted or listened to by unwanted parties.
Imagine you're having a video call to share sensitive or personal information. At that moment, you need reassurance that this information won't fall into the wrong hands. Here lies the importance of emoticons; simply ask your chat partner for the list of icons appearing on their screen and compare them to yours. If they match, the call is 100% secure. If they don't, it's a warning that there may be a breach in encryption, potentially exposing the call to eavesdropping.
In essence, these seemingly innocuous emoticons on Telegram video calls are more than just symbols—they are your guarantee of a secure and private conversation.
Why should you disconnect if they don't match
When encryption failure or key exchange issues occur, it raises concerns about the security of communications. This doesn't necessarily mean that there are parties spying on us, but it leaves us feeling uncertain. It's always best to take necessary precautions to ensure security, such as disconnecting and reconnecting to verify that the emojis match on both ends.
Applications like Telegram provide advanced security verification systems, setting them apart from competitors like WhatsApp, which lack comprehensive encryption verification and continuous communication secrecy.
This encryption system relies on the Diffie-Hellman key exchange, patented in 1977. If Diffie-Hellman sounds familiar, it might be due to its association with a security vulnerability in the Logjam browser and web encryption in 2015. However, these issues have long been resolved, allowing for secure key exchange in this system.
This system isn't just technology; it adds a human touch, adding a layer of trust and reassurance to our daily conversations. As we communicate through screens, the safety of our privacy remains non-negotiable. So, next time you make a video call via Telegram, remember to check those emojis—they're not just symbols but guardians of your digital security.
