Telegram introduces encrypted storage of identity documents opslag

Chat service Telegram has introduced a new feature called Telegram Passport. This allows users to store their identity documents encrypted on the service’s servers. The idea is that they can use it to sign up for certain services.

The company therefore describes the function as an authorization method for services that require identification. It cites the example of financial services and ICOs. Users have to upload the data, for example a scan of their passport, after which it is stored with a password in the Telegram cloud. It should be decentralized in the future, the company said.

Telegram refers to the ePayments service for a demonstration of how the new feature works. There is a button that gives visitors the option to sign up via Telegram. Developers can add the feature to their apps and services for free, Telegram further reports.

In the future, the intention is to offer third-party verification for the new service. That way, companies don’t have to check the documents themselves, but can assume that the Telegram account has been verified by a verification provider. For example, the company must be able to trust that the account belongs to an existing person.