Social media has become an integral part of our lives. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram allow us to stay connected with friends and family, express ourselves, and consume content. However, there are growing concerns around privacy and data protection on these platforms. Users’ personal data is routinely collected, analyzed and monetized without their knowledge or consent. This has led many to look for alternative social media options that prioritize user privacy. One such platform is Teltlk.
What is Teltlk?
Teltlk is a new social media application that aims to give users more control over their privacy. It was founded in 2021 by a team of engineers and privacy advocates who were frustrated with the lack of privacy offered by mainstream social networks.
The platform allows users to share photos, videos, messages, and other content with their friends and followers, similar to Instagram or Facebook. However, Teltlk is designed from the ground up to protect user privacy through features like end-to-end encryption and limited data collection.
Key Privacy Features of Teltlk
Here are some of the key ways Teltlk aims to protect user privacy:
End-to-End Encryption
All messages, posts, and user data on Teltlk are encrypted end-to-end by default. This means the content is encrypted on the user’s device before being transmitted, and only the intended recipients can decrypt and view it. Not even Teltlk itself can access users’ unencrypted data.
Minimal Data Collection
Teltlk collects very little user data compared to other platforms. It does not track users across the internet or create detailed profiles based on their activity. The only mandatory data collected is basic info like name, email and phone number.
User-Controlled Data Sharing
Users can choose exactly what data to share and with whom. For example, they can share posts with only specific friends rather than their entire network. There is also an option to share content anonymously without attaching your name or profile to it.
Open Source Code
The Teltlk app is built on open source code that is transparent and auditable by third party security researchers. This helps ensure there are no hidden data collection practices or security flaws.
How Does Teltlk Make Money?
Teltlk was bootstrapped by its founders without any venture capital funding. This allows them to focus on building an ethical, user-first business model rather than being beholden to investor interests.
The app generates revenue through optional premium features like social analytics, additional storage space, and custom emoji packs. There are no ads on Teltlk currently.
The company may introduce highly-relevant ads in the future, but states that they will be privacy-focused with no user targeting or tracking.
User Experience of Teltlk
The Teltlk app offers a familiar user experience for those accustomed to mainstream social networks. Key features include:
- Feed: An Instagram-style scrollable feed to see posts from people you follow.
- Stories: Share ephemeral photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours.
- Direct Messaging: Encrypted chat and group messaging. Send disappearing messages for extra privacy.
- Reblt: Similar to retweeting, this lets you boost posts from other users to your followers.
- Discover: Find new accounts to follow based on your interests and connections.
The interface is clean, visual, and easy to navigate. It offers the core social networking capabilities without overwhelming users with too many bells and whistles.
Is Teltlk Right for You?
Teltlk is a great option if you are concerned about privacy but still want to participate in social media. Some key advantages of Teltlk include:
- Strong privacy protections not found on other major platforms
- Ability to control who sees your content
- No advertising targeting or tracking across the internet
- Ethical company focused on user well-being over profits
- Familiar social media features like timelines, messaging, and stories.
The main downside is that as a newer platform, Teltlk has a smaller user base than Facebook or Instagram. It may make most sense for people who want privacy first, rather than those seeking viral reach or influencer status. But as the user base grows, it could become more attractive to mainstream social media users as well.
The Future of Social Media?
Teltlk represents the vanguard of a new generation of social networks that take privacy and ethics seriously. With its user-first approach, Teltlk could provide a blueprint for how social media can evolve to better protect personal data.
If you care about privacy and want to support tech companies doing things the right way, give Teltlk a look or follow them on social media. Together we can reshape social media to work for users rather than just Big Tech’s bottom line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Teltlk is a new social media platform built with a privacy-first approach. It allows users to share content with followers while protecting their personal data through encryption and other privacy features.
Teltlk uses end-to-end encryption for all messages and data. It also collects very little user information, gives users control over data sharing, and makes its code transparent to allow auditing.
Not currently, but Teltlk plans to add an import tool for profiles in the future. For now, you need to create a new profile on Teltlk.
Yes, Teltlk offers iOS and Android apps so you can access your feed, messages, and other features on the go.
You must be at least 13 years old to create an account on Teltlk per its terms of service.
You can choose to share posts with only certain friends, groups, or make the post public to your entire follower base. There is also an anonymous sharing option.
Yes, you can delete your Teltlk account at any time. This will erase your profile and posts permanently.
Currently there are no ads on Teltlk. In the future, they may introduce privacy-focused ads but with no tracking or targeting.
Yes, the core Teltlk service is free. There are optional paid upgrades for additional features.
