Telegram previously restricted access to sign-ups to SIM cards and phone numbers. But that just changed. The messaging app is dropping this requirement but adding extra privacy options. For verification, Telegram partnered with Fragment to allow users to create an anonymous number to sign into the app with. This number will be private and exclusive to you, much like a SIM card.
Telegram is also getting more security features. One is an auto-delete timer for certain chaps. You also have an auto-delete timer for all chats after a certain time. Once you've set this feature, all new chats will get a countdown you specified. You also get the option to include older chats in that auto-delete, too.
If you're part of large group chats, Telegram gets a couple of features that work within large messaging threads. One is a new Topics 2.0 upgrade, which sorts group topics into different threads, giving these chats a forum-like feel. Another new feature is an "Aggressive Anti-Spam" filter. This new algorithm can take care of more spam messages in group chats with over 200 members. Admins can report false positives.