Telegram is popular for its focus on privacy and security, featuring end-to-end encryption for secret chats and allowing users to create large groups with up to 200,000 members. It offers channel functionality for broadcasting messages to unlimited subscribers. The platform has faced criticism for insufficient content moderation, leading to the spread of extremist content and illegal activities. Telegram regularly updates its features, including customizable themes and advanced bot integrations, to enhance user experience and maintain competitiveness in the messaging market.