Can a Telegram bot read messages of channel

Question

Can a telegram bot read/access a telegram channel that neither I or the bot is administrator of?

I know that up to last November it was not possible, but I have heard some people have done this, but so far I am not able to do it.

I would really appreciate your input and knowledge.

P.s. any workaround would be great.

Answer 1

The FAQ reads:

1. All bots, regardless of settings, will receive:

   • All service messages.
   • All messages from private chats with users.
   • All messages from channels where they are a member.

2. Bot admins and bots with privacy mode disabled will receive all messages except messages sent by other bots.

3. Bots with privacy mode enabled will receive:

   • Commands explicitly meant for them (e.g., /command@this_bot).
   • General commands from users (e.g. /start) if the bot was the last bot to send a message to the group.
   • Messages sent via this bot.
   • Replies to any messages implicitly or explicitly meant for this bot.

So, if your bot is a member of the channel it will receive all messages except those sent by other bots.