> I do appreciate that, unlike Telegram, I can use Signal without giving it access to my contacts It is 100% possible to use Telegram without giving it access

> I do appreciate that, unlike Telegram, I can use Signal without giving it access to my contacts It is 100% possible to use Telegram without giving it access to your contacts. It is even easier than Signal, because your contact can set usernames, etc. You can also chat with people without sharing your phone number. Even if you give Telegram access to your contacts,you can disable syncing of contacts to their server. You can also create your own contacts on telegram and add a select few people manually. Like a custom address book just for Telegram. I don't think that is possible on Signal.