The process of adopting Telegram from WhatsApp, in part due to new policies Facebook wants to implement to share data collected through the app, continues. So much so that from Telegram they showcased the app’s ability to import WhatsApp chats so as not to lose old conversations when changing platform.
An increasingly simple platform change
It is now possible to export WhatsApp chats to Telegram. It’s simple: pic.twitter.com/7UGN5UHFHr
– David Bernal Raspall (@ david_br8) January 28, 2021
It is true that we do not have sufficiently clear figures to assess the number of people who are stopping using WhatsApp to switch to Telegram. It’s also true that we don’t know how many of them will return to the Facebook messaging app or just leave abandoned Telegram in a folder on their iPhone. But what we do know is that more and more users are subscribing to the messaging service which promotes confidentiality of its users.
In Telegram, they are fully aware of this and have launched a version of the app that allows us to import old conversations held on WhatsApp. In version 7.4.1 of the application, importing a conversation is very easy. In WhatsApp we select Export chat In the options of the same and once the share menu appears, we choose the application Telegram as the recipient thereof. Second act Telegram asks us which conversation we want to add the messages to sent or if we want to add them to a new group or to a new discussion. When the process is complete, the conversation will appear highlighted on the date it was imported.
The system is able to import all images provided that we have chosen Add attachments when exporting chat from WhatsApp. Telegram also informs us that the chat was imported with a small message stating that they cannot verify that the contents of the chat are correct as anyone could have edited the file before importing it into Telegram.
The truth is, in a country like Europe where the use of WhatsApp is so prevalent, it is hard to imagine a mass transition thanks to the tool that Telegram has presented. But at the same time, when we are in the process of convincing our loved ones, our family and our close friends to switch messaging platforms, being able to keep old conversations is invaluable.
It is clear that many Telegram users will appreciate this feature, whether it is for a full migration to the platform or to save a specific conversation. We are increasingly aware that the confidentiality of our communications is important. Scandals like Cambridge Analytica remind us of this and push us to look for alternatives for secure communication, at least with the most reliable people. In Telegram, they are preparing to receive us.
