Is there a preference of Telegram over Signal or vice versa?
That's all you need to understand to know that it's an inferior product in comparison to Signal.
https://gizmodo.com/why-you-should-stop-using-telegram-right...
I find that instead of trying to convince friends/family to use Signal I just tell them "use Signal as your default SMS app" or install it myself for them. This tactic worked well in the Internet Explorer/Firefox and then Chrome transitions, so I don't see why it can't work again.
Then whenever I will be chatting with them, it won't matter if they try to send me a SMS, as long as I use Signal, their messages will be encrypted, as they will be data messages. I wouldn't trust the default SMS app/Android Messages not to steal your SMS texts anyway, especially on Chinese phones.
Also, I can't wait until the Matrix-based Riot gets its redesign:
https://medium.com/@RiotChat/a-sneak-peek-at-a-whole-new-rio...
I would to those following it that this advice is likely most useful if your family members are on Android devices.
iOS does not allow you to change the default SMS application and if your family member is on iOS, the iMessage platform lock in is nearly impossible to break out of.
Signal used to be TextSecure, and there is a fork which still supports encrypted SMS.
The difference here was it was endorsed by Moxie's acquaintances from the crypto circles, followed by a very loud and aggressive disparaging campaign against Telegram led by some of these people. I've been on metzdowd list for a very long time and while cryptographers aren't the chummiest people in the slightest, there's always an underlying mutual respect. The Telegram bashing was the first time I've ever seen geniuenly vicious behavior and hate displayed towards a project that not even remotely deserve it. Almost as if the goal was just to bury the competition.
You suggest that this is the major difference between Signal and Telegram, but that's dishonest at best.
Some people may try to blame this on incompetence, but they still won't be able to explain how exactly someone might arrive at this implementation without malicious intent.
I personally explained to you why this is a complete nonsense as far as conspiracy theories go [1] as did several others. Give it a rest already.
If you actually stop for a minute to consider what's happening here, it's pretty difficult to dismiss telegrams choices as mere incompetence.
Do you feel personally insulted by comments criticizing telegram?
I certainly do.
Tried to use Signal, but it was buggy and slow in comparison. I also trust Telegram much more than Facebook/Whatsapp.