Apple temporarily removed Telegram from its App Store in several countries after determining that content on the messaging platform violated its policies concerning child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The app was later restored after Telegram took action against the offending content and user.
The temporary removal affected users in the United States, Australia, India and Singapore. According to a Telegram spokesperson, Apple notified the company about a single user who had shared child sexual abuse material through the platform. Telegram said it promptly removed the content, permanently banned the account responsible and, following those actions, the application was reinstated in the App Store.
The incident highlights the ongoing pressure major technology platforms face to detect and remove illegal content while complying with the moderation standards imposed by app store operators and regulators.
According to Bloomberg, Telegram has removed more than 300,000 groups and channels linked to child sexual abuse material since the beginning of the year, reflecting the company’s continued efforts to curb the spread of illegal content on the platform.
The App Store suspension comes as Telegram continues to face increased regulatory and legal scrutiny in several countries over its content moderation practices.
In Australia, the country’s online safety regulator has launched legal proceedings against Telegram, alleging the company failed to remove extremist material after being notified about videos connected to terrorist attacks and executions. Telegram has denied the allegations and said it intends to defend its position in court.
Separately, French authorities arrested Durov in 2024 as part of an investigation into alleged criminal activity conducted through Telegram. Prosecutors examined whether the company had failed to adequately address the use of its platform for offences including money laundering, drug trafficking and the distribution of child sexual abuse material. Durov was later released after posting €5 million in bail while the legal proceedings continued.
Launched in 2013, Telegram has grown into one of the world’s largest messaging platforms, reporting more than one billion monthly active users. Its rapid expansion has been accompanied by increasing scrutiny from governments and regulators seeking stronger enforcement against illegal content and criminal activity conducted through online communication services.