Tied to your phone number. Cannot use without phone number - result is automatic 0 privacy.
Another issue - there is absolutely 0 recourse if they ban you, there is no support you can email, there Is absolutely nothing. So if you have a family group there and telegram banned you - you are out of options entirely other than switching phone number and device.
Don’t touch that garbage platform with a 60ft pole.
I use signal. It’s not bad