Apple Restores Telegram to App Store After CSAM Takedown
Apple briefly removed the Telegram messaging app from its App Store globally yesterday after identifying content that violated its policies on child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The app was later reinstated after the content was removed.
Apple removed the Telegram messaging app from its App Store globally yesterday after identifying content that violated its policies on child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The app was later reinstated after the offending content was removed.
According to Apple, Telegram was reinstated "after the developer promptly removed the content and banned the user who posted it." For a brief period, Telegram's App Store listing indicated the page could not be found, making the app unavailable for new downloads. Existing users, however, retained access, and Telegram remained available on the Google Play Store and Mac App Store.
Telegram later confirmed its return to Apple's marketplace. This incident echoes a similar situation in 2018 when Apple removed both Telegram and its client app Telegram X from the App Store, citing user access to inappropriate content, including CSAM. Telegram subsequently introduced additional safeguards, leading to the reinstatement of both apps.
The recent event occurs amid growing regulatory scrutiny of Telegram in India. Concerns have been raised regarding piracy, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and leaked examination papers. Most recently, India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a notice to Telegram over the alleged circulation of pirated films and OTT content on the platform.