The Problem With Telegram
Telegram is convenient: it's where most OpenClaw users already are, messages are reliable, and the UI is smooth. But for security-conscious deployments, Telegram has a fundamental limitation:
Telegram can read your messages.
While Telegram offers optional "Secret Chats" with E2E encryption, regular Telegram chats are encrypted in transit but decrypted and stored on Telegram's servers. If Telegram is compromised, hacked, or legally coerced, your agent's conversations—which may contain sensitive business logic, API calls, and decision rationale—could be exposed.
Why This Matters for OpenClaw
Your OpenClaw agent's conversations may contain:
- Customer data and business logic
- API calls and query logs
- Financial decisions and transaction details
- Conversation history that could reveal competitive information
In regulated industries (healthcare, finance, legal), storing this on a third-party server may violate compliance requirements.
Matrix: End-to-End Encryption Where It Counts
Matrix is an open-source protocol for decentralized, encrypted communication. When you use Matrix with E2E encryption:
- Only you and your agent have the encryption keys — not even the homeserver operator can read your messages
- Messages are encrypted client-side — the server never sees plaintext
- You control your data — self-host or use a trusted provider
- Open protocol — no vendor lock-in or surprise policy changes
Matrix vs Telegram Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Telegram | Matrix (E2E) |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption by default | Server-side (not E2E) | End-to-end (true E2E) |
| Server can read messages | Yes, Telegram can read all chats | No, encryption key only on client |
| User experience | Excellent, polished UI | Good, but varies by client |
| Reliability | Very reliable, Telegram's servers | Reliable, your control or trusted host |
| Message history | Telegram stores indefinitely | You control, can delete |
| Metadata privacy | Telegram sees who talks to whom | You see metadata, server doesn't (with proxies) |
| Platform availability | Web, Mobile, Desktop | Web, Mobile, Desktop (multiple clients) |
| Compliance friendly | No (data stored on servers) | Yes (self-hosted, fully encrypted) |
Setting Up Matrix for OpenClaw
Option A: Self-Hosted Synapse (Maximum Control)
Host your own Matrix homeserver. This gives you complete control but requires DevOps effort.
# Install Synapse (on Ubuntu)
sudo apt-get install matrix-synapse
# Configure ~/.config/matrix-synapse/homeserver.yaml
server_name: "your-domain.com"
registration_shared_secret: "$(openssl rand -base64 32)"
# Enable PostgreSQL (not SQLite for production)
database:
name: psycopg2
args:
user: synapse
password: $(openssl rand -base64 32)
host: localhost
port: 5432
# Start Synapse
systemctl start matrix-synapse
Option B: Element One (Managed Hosting)
Use Element One for a managed Matrix instance. Simpler than self-hosting, with support included.
- Sign up at element.io/element-one
- Create workspace
- Invite users and configure E2E encryption
Option C: Public Homeserver (Easiest, Lower Privacy)
Use a public homeserver like matrix.org for fastest setup. Note: the homeserver operator can see metadata but not message content (E2E encrypted).
Configuring OpenClaw for Matrix
Once you have a Matrix homeserver, configure OpenClaw to use it:
# ~/.openclaw/config.yml
messaging:
provider: 'matrix'
homeserver_url: 'https://your-matrix-server.com'
user_id: '@openclaw-bot:your-matrix-server.com'
access_token: $MATRIX_ACCESS_TOKEN
room_id: '!xxxxx:your-matrix-server.com'
# E2E Encryption Settings
e2e_encryption:
enabled: true
algorithm: 'm.megolm.v1.aes-sha2'
rotation_period_ms: 604800000 # 1 week
rotation_period_msgs: 100
# Cross-signing (verify device trust)
cross_signing: true
device_verification: 'required' # Require manual verification
# Keep Telegram as fallback during migration
fallback_provider: 'telegram'
Migration Strategy: Telegram → Matrix
Don't make an abrupt switch. Use a phased approach to ensure reliability:
Phase 1: Setup (Week 1)
- Set up Matrix homeserver or account
- Configure OpenClaw to support Matrix
- Test with simple messages
Phase 2: Parallel Operation (Week 2-3)
- OpenClaw sends messages to both Telegram AND Matrix
- Users can respond on either platform
- Monitor for issues
Phase 3: Primary Cutover (Week 4)
- Make Matrix primary
- Keep Telegram as fallback
- Users gradually move to Matrix
Phase 4: Telegram Sunset (Week 5+)
- After 1-2 weeks with Matrix primary, disable Telegram
- Archive Telegram conversation for compliance
Best Practices for Matrix + OpenClaw
1. Enable Cross-Signing
Cross-signing allows you to verify device trust. Without it, MITM attacks are possible despite E2E encryption.
2. Rotate Encryption Keys Regularly
Configure key rotation so even old encrypted messages become unreadable after a period.
3. Use Strong Passwords
Your Matrix account password encrypts the cross-signing keys. Use a strong, unique password.
4. Backup Recovery Keys
Matrix provides recovery keys (backups of encryption keys). Store them securely offline.
5. Verify Devices Manually
When first connecting OpenClaw to Matrix, manually verify the device identity using short codes or QR codes.
Limitations & Trade-offs
Complexity
Matrix is more complex than Telegram. Self-hosting adds DevOps overhead. Use managed hosting (Element One) if you don't have infrastructure expertise.
User Experience
Matrix clients are good but not as polished as Telegram. Different clients (Element Web, FluffyChat, etc.) have different features.
Adoption
Your team may need to switch chat clients. Many engineers prefer Telegram, so expect some friction.
Cost
Self-hosted Synapse is free (infrastructure cost only). Element One is ~$50-200/month for small teams.
When to Use Each Platform
Use Telegram if:
- You're just getting started with OpenClaw
- Compliance requirements are minimal
- Simplicity matters more than privacy
- You want the smoothest user experience
Use Matrix if:
- You handle sensitive customer or financial data
- You need to comply with data residency laws (GDPR, HIPAA, SOC2)
- You want guaranteed E2E encryption (true privacy)
- You're uncomfortable with Telegram's access to your conversations
Key Takeaways
- Telegram can read your messages — they're encrypted in transit but stored plaintext on their servers
- Matrix offers true E2E encryption — not even the server can read messages
- For compliance-sensitive use cases, Matrix is essential — GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC2 favor encrypted-at-rest systems
- Self-hosting gives maximum control — but Element One is simpler if you don't have DevOps expertise
- Migration can be phased — run both in parallel to reduce risk
- E2E encryption requires active verification — don't skip device cross-signing
Resources
- Matrix Spec: https://spec.matrix.org/
- Synapse Docs: https://matrix-org.github.io/synapse/
- Element One: https://element.io/element-one
- OpenClaw Matrix Integration: https://docs.openclaw.ai/messaging/matrix