On Monday, Apple temporarily removed the popular messaging app Telegram from its iPhone and iPad App Stores after discovering content violating its strict policies against child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
The app's removal prevented new downloads but allowed existing users to continue accessing the platform. Later the same night, Apple reinstated Telegram following the platform's swift action to remove the offending content and ban the responsible user.
Apple stated the removal was due to a review uncovering CSAM, emphasizing its zero-tolerance stance. Telegram responded by highlighting its ongoing efforts to combat such material, reporting the removal of over 337,900 CSAM-related groups and channels in 2026 alone.
Telegram's official social media account reacted with humor upon its reinstatement, while also challenging Apple to apply consistent standards across all apps.
The incident drew criticism from industry figures like Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, who condemned Apple's approach as arbitrary and harmful to developers, calling for more competition in the app marketplace.
This episode comes amid increased scrutiny on Telegram globally. Recently, Russian authorities charged CEO Pavel Durov with aiding terrorism, and Australian regulators initiated legal action against the platform for allegedly failing to remove extremist content.
Key Points
- Apple removed Telegram temporarily over CSAM violations.
- Telegram promptly removed offending content and banned the user.
- Telegram has actively removed hundreds of thousands of CSAM-related groups in recent years.
- Industry leaders criticized Apple’s unilateral enforcement approach.
- Telegram faces ongoing legal and regulatory challenges worldwide.
