There are indeed many things that instant messaging can do. Today Telegram announced the launch of a verification code platform, which uses the API interface to verify mobile phone numbers to send verification codes to users through Telegram instead of sending them through text messages.

This function is not new. Domestic domain name registration platform Western Digital uses a similar method. After following the Western Digital WeChat service account and logging in to the account on the web page, you can send a verification code through WeChat.

Telegram's verification code platform has better compatibility. The principle is that after the website integrates the API, the mobile phone number is submitted to Telegram. Telegram verifies that the mobile phone number has been registered, and then the verification code can be issued to the user.

If it is detected that the user has not registered with Telegram, it is very simple and an error message will be returned directly. At this time, the website can continue to send the verification code to the user through the traditional SMS channel, which is also very convenient to use.

The prerequisite for sending a verification code through a WeChat service account is that the user must be pre-bound to the WeChat service account, so the step of verifying the mobile phone number is skipped (the verification has been completed when logging in to a third-party account). Although the compatibility is slightly worse or a little more troublesome, the WeChat official account is free.

The Telegram verification code platform is charged, with each verification code message charging $0.01. This rate is indeed cheaper than the traditional SMS verification code platform (here refers to foreign verification code platforms), and it will also be safer, so it should also attract many companies to use it.

Finally, interested developers, especially those targeting overseas user groups, can take a look at this service. Payment seems to be made through the cryptocurrency TON. It is not yet clear whether legal currency payment is supported.