Telegram briefly disappeared from Apple App Store search results worldwide, and the company said the application has been restored. According to Telegram, the app 'should soon be available again for all users' (claim:3).
The disruption began around 9:30 p.m. EST on Monday, when reports on social media noted that searching the App Store or opening a direct link to the app showed it was no longer available (claims 13, 14).
During the outage, Telegram vanished for new downloads, but users who already had the app installed said it continued to function normally. The application remained available on Google's Play Store for Android users (claims 5, 6).
As of 0200 GMT, the app was still not showing up in direct search results on Apple's App Store, even though its dedicated page had returned to active status. Neither Apple nor Telegram shared any details on why the app was removed or when it would fully return (claims 4, 15).
Both Apple and Telegram founder Pavel Durov had not issued public statements on the problem at the time (claim:7).
This is not the first time Telegram has faced removal from Apple's platform. In 2018, Apple pulled the app from its store, and Durov said at the time it was because Telegram had made 'inappropriate content' available to users (claims 8, 9).
Telegram is widely known as a secure alternative to Messenger, WhatsApp, and iMessage. Its cross-platform availability and options for end-to-end encryption have made it attractive to privacy-conscious users (claims 11, 12).
Users in several countries, including the United States, reported the app was missing from the App Store (claim:10). The cause of the disappearance remains unclear, but no official explanation has been provided.
Updates
While the cause of the disappearance remains unclear, Apple has disputed claims that the app was suspended due to child sexual abuse material violations, though some reports suggest the restoration followed the deletion of prohibited content and a permanent user ban. Additionally, Telegram now reports having more than 1 billion monthly active users.
Telegram now reportedly boasts more than 1 billion monthly active users. While some sources claim Apple suspended the app due to child sexual abuse material and restored it following the removal of prohibited content and a permanent ban, these claims remain disputed and it is still unclear if the disappearance was caused by a technical glitch.
Apple reportedly suspended Telegram due to content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material, though it remains disputed whether the removal was a technical glitch or a direct response to content violations. Telegram stated that it immediately removed the prohibited material and permanently banned the responsible user account to facilitate the app's restoration. While the incident primarily prevented new downloads and updates for iPhone and iPad users, it follows a similar pattern to a 2018 removal, albeit with a much faster resolution time.
While Apple has not officially confirmed the cause of the removal, Telegram reported that it immediately deleted the violating content and permanently banned the responsible user account to facilitate the app's restoration. The incident, which occurred on August 3 and primarily hindered new downloads and reinstalls, follows a similar pattern to a 2018 removal but was resolved much faster. Additionally, Telegram noted that the app now has more than 1 billion monthly active users.
Disputed claims suggest Apple temporarily suspended the app after detecting content violating child sexual abuse material guidelines, requiring Telegram to delete the content and permanently ban the responsible account for restoration. While it remains unclear if the disappearance was a technical glitch, Telegram reported that the issue primarily prevented first-time downloads, reinstalls, and updates during the brief removal on August 3. Telegram has addressed the situation via its official X account by quoting Mark Twain's famous line, 'The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.'
Apple reportedly required Telegram to delete prohibited content and permanently ban the responsible user account as a condition for restoring the app to the App Store. While the reasons for the disappearance remain disputed, sources suggest Apple intervened following the detection of content violating its guidelines against child sexual abuse material. Telegram has confirmed the removal of the offending material and the banning of the relevant account.
While the cause of the disappearance remains disputed between a technical glitch and content violations, Telegram reported that it immediately removed the prohibited material and permanently banned the responsible account to comply with Apple's requirements. Sources claim Apple's intervention followed a process similar to a 2018 incident but was completed in a shorter timeframe. Currently, the app is accessible on Apple devices, and new downloads and reinstallations have resumed.
While the exact cause of the removal remains disputed between a technical glitch and content violations, Telegram reported that it immediately deleted the prohibited material and permanently banned the responsible user account to comply with Apple's requirements. Apple's intervention reportedly mirrored a similar 2018 incident but was resolved in a shorter timeframe, with the app now fully accessible for new downloads and reinstallations on Apple devices.
While the cause of the disappearance remains disputed, reports suggest the suspension occurred after Apple detected content violating child safety guidelines. Telegram stated they immediately removed the violating material and permanently banned the responsible user account, a process similar to a 2018 incident but completed more quickly. Although it remains unclear if the removal was a technical glitch, the app is currently accessible on Apple devices and new downloads have resumed.
Apple officially confirmed that Telegram was temporarily removed from the App Store after content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material was detected. According to an Apple spokesperson, the app was subsequently restored after the developer promptly removed the prohibited content and banned the responsible user.
Apple confirmed that Telegram was temporarily removed from the App Store on August 3 after discovering content that violated its guidelines against child sexual abuse material. The app was restored following Telegram's prompt removal of the prohibited content and the permanent banning of the offending user account.
Apple confirmed that Telegram was temporarily removed on August 3 after detecting content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material. According to Apple, the app was restored once the developer promptly removed the prohibited content and permanently banned the responsible user.
Apple confirmed that Telegram was temporarily removed from the App Store on August 3 after content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material was detected. The app was subsequently restored after the developer promptly removed the prohibited content and banned the responsible user account.
Apple confirmed that the temporary removal of Telegram on August 3 was due to the detection of content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material. The app was subsequently restored after the developer promptly removed the prohibited content and permanently banned the responsible user account.
Apple confirmed that Telegram was temporarily removed on August 3 after finding content that violated its guidelines against child sexual abuse material. According to Apple, the app was restored after the developer promptly removed the prohibited content and permanently banned the user responsible for sharing it.
Apple confirmed that Telegram was temporarily removed on August 3 after detecting content that violated its guidelines against child sexual abuse material. The app was subsequently restored following the developer's prompt removal of the prohibited content and a permanent ban on the user who shared it.
Apple confirmed that Telegram was temporarily removed from the App Store on August 3 after its review detected content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material. The app was subsequently restored after the developer promptly removed the prohibited content and permanently banned the user responsible for sharing it.
Apple confirmed that the app was temporarily removed on August 3 after detecting content that violated guidelines against child sexual abuse material. The service was restored following the developer's prompt removal of the prohibited content and the permanent banning of the responsible user account.
Apple confirmed that Telegram was temporarily removed on August 3 after its review identified content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material. The app was restored once the developer promptly removed the prohibited content and permanently banned the responsible user account.
Apple confirmed that Telegram was temporarily removed on August 3 after detecting content that violated guidelines against child sexual abuse material. The app was subsequently restored after the developer promptly removed the prohibited content and banned the responsible user account.
Apple confirmed the temporary removal was due to content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material, noting the app was restored after the developer promptly removed the content and banned the responsible user. Telegram responded to the incident by stating they have a zero-tolerance policy and have blocked nearly 338,000 groups and channels regarding such material this year. Additionally, the Telegram-linked token Gram saw volatility, dropping approximately 6.4% to $1.32 before recovering to about $1.40.
Apple confirmed that Telegram was temporarily removed after detecting content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material, noting the app was restored once the developer promptly removed the content and banned the responsible user. Telegram responded to the situation by stating it has a zero-tolerance policy for such material, while also questioning Apple's stance on social media. Additionally, the Telegram-linked token Gram saw a brief 6.4% drop to $1.32 following the removal reports before recovering to approximately $1.40.
Apple confirmed that Telegram was temporarily suspended after detecting content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material, noting the app was restored once the offending content was removed and the responsible user was permanently banned. Telegram responded by stating it had immediately taken these actions and questioned on social media whether Apple would apply this same standard to all other messaging apps in the future.
Apple confirmed that Telegram was temporarily removed after discovering content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material, noting the app was restored once the developer removed the content and banned the responsible user. Telegram responded by stating they immediately removed the violating material and banned the account, while also questioning via social media if this standard would be applied equally to all other apps. Additionally, the Telegram-linked token Gram saw a volatility spike, dropping 6.4% to $1.32 before recovering to approximately $1.40.
Apple confirmed it temporarily removed the app after detecting content that violated its guidelines against child sexual abuse material, a violation Telegram addressed by immediately removing the content and banning the responsible user. While the incident primarily prevented new downloads and updates on August 3, the app has since been restored for all users. Additionally, the Telegram-linked token Gram saw a price fluctuation, dropping 6.4% to $1.32 before recovering to approximately $1.40.
Apple confirmed that the app was temporarily removed due to content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material, but it was restored after Telegram promptly removed the prohibited content and banned the responsible user. According to Telegram, the company has a zero-tolerance policy for such material and has blocked nearly 338,000 groups and channels for these violations this year. Following the incident, the Telegram-linked token Gram saw a brief 6.4% drop to $1.32 before recovering to approximately $1.40.
Apple confirmed the removal was due to content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material, noting the app was restored after the developer promptly removed the content and banned the responsible user. Telegram founder Pavel Durov, however, claims the incident was triggered by a 'takedown extortionist' who used a technical trick to plant AI-modified illegal content into an old message to force a removal. Durov stated that Apple removed the app before contacting them, a move he argues creates a systemic risk for platforms hosting user-generated content.
Apple confirmed that Telegram was temporarily removed due to content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material, noting the app was restored after the developer promptly removed the content and banned the responsible user. Telegram founder Pavel Durov, however, claims the removal was triggered by a 'takedown extortionist' using a technical trick to plant AI-modified illegal content into an active group chat. Durov also criticized Apple for removing the app without prior notice, suggesting the lack of communication creates systemic risks for platforms hosting user-generated content.
Apple confirmed that Telegram was temporarily removed after detecting content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material, noting the app was restored once the developer removed the content and banned the responsible user. Telegram founder Pavel Durov countered this by claiming the removal was triggered by a 'takedown extortionist' who used AI-modified illegal content and automated reports to manipulate Apple's system. Additionally, the Telegram-linked token Gram saw a brief decline of 6.4% to $1.32 following the reports before recovering to approximately $1.40.
Apple confirmed that Telegram was temporarily removed due to content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material, a move Telegram founder Pavel Durov claims was triggered by a 'takedown extortionist' using AI-modified illegal content in old messages. Durov stated that Apple removed the app without prior warning, whereas Telegram reported it immediately removed the offending content and banned the responsible user to facilitate the app's restoration. Additionally, the incident caused the Telegram-linked token Gram to drop approximately 6.4% to $1.32 before recovering to around $1.40.
Apple confirmed that Telegram was temporarily removed after discovering content that violated guidelines against child sexual abuse material, stating the app was restored once the prohibited content was deleted and the responsible user was permanently banned. Telegram founder Pavel Durov, however, claims the removal was caused by a 'takedown extortionist' who used AI-modified illegal content and automated reporting to trigger the incident. Durov also noted that Apple removed the app before contacting the company, which he argues could create systemic risks for apps hosting user-generated content.
Apple confirmed that Telegram was temporarily removed after detecting content violating its child sexual abuse material guidelines, stating the app was restored once the developer removed the content and banned the responsible user. Telegram founder Pavel Durov countered this, claiming the removal was triggered by a 'takedown extortionist' who used a technical trick to plant AI-modified illegal content into an old message. Durov added that Apple removed the app without prior warning, which he believes creates a systemic risk by allowing extortionists to manipulate the platform's moderation through coordinated reporting attacks.
Apple confirmed that Telegram was temporarily removed for violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material, noting the app was restored after the developer promptly removed the content and banned the responsible user. Telegram founder Pavel Durov countered that the incident was caused by 'takedown extortionists' using AI-modified illegal content in old messages to trigger automated reports to Apple. Durov warned that Apple removing the app without prior warning to the developer creates a systemic risk for all mobile applications hosting user-generated content.
Apple confirmed the temporary removal was due to content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material, which was subsequently removed and the responsible user banned. Telegram founder Pavel Durov, however, claims the incident was caused by a 'takedown extortionist' who used a technical trick involving AI-modified content to plant illegal material in an old message. Durov warned that Apple's decision to remove the app without prior warning creates a systemic risk for all mobile applications hosting user-generated content.
Apple confirmed that Telegram was temporarily removed due to content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material, noting the app was restored after the developer promptly removed the content and banned the responsible user. Telegram founder Pavel Durov countered this by claiming the removal was caused by 'takedown extortionists' who used AI-modified illegal content to trick the system and target legitimate communities. Durov further stated that Apple removed the application without prior warning, which he warns creates a systemic risk for all mobile apps hosting user-generated content.
Apple confirmed the removal was due to content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material, noting the app was restored after the developer promptly removed the content and banned the responsible user. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, however, attributed the incident to a 'takedown extortionist' who used a technical trick to hide AI-modified illegal content within an old message to trigger the removal. Durov warned that Apple's decision to remove the app without prior warning creates a potential systemic risk for all mobile applications hosting user-generated content.
Apple confirmed the app was removed due to content violating its child sexual abuse material guidelines, but Telegram CEO Pavel Durov claims the incident was a targeted attack by a 'takedown extortionist.' Durov explained that an attacker used a technical trick to insert AI-modified illegal content into an old, hidden message to trigger automated reports to Apple and demand ransom from group administrators.
Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov clarified that the App Store removal was triggered by a 'takedown extortionist' who used a technical trick to insert AI-modified illegal content into an old, hidden message within an active group chat. According to Durov, these attackers use automated accounts to report the content directly to Apple to trigger the removal of legitimate communities that refuse to pay ransoms. While Apple confirmed the removal was due to content violating child sexual abuse material guidelines, Durov argued that Apple's decision to act without prior warning to developers creates a systemic risk for all user-generated content platforms.
Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov clarified that the removal was caused by a 'takedown extortionist' who used a technical trick to insert AI-modified illegal content into an old, nearly invisible message within an active group chat. Durov stated that these attackers use automated accounts to trigger Apple's enforcement by reporting the planted content, demanding ransoms from administrators to protect their communities. He warned that Apple's decision to remove the app without prior warning creates a systemic risk for all mobile applications hosting user-generated content.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov clarified that the removal was caused by a 'takedown extortionist' who used a technical trick to plant AI-modified illegal content into an old, hidden message to trigger an automated reporting attack. Durov noted that Apple removed the app without prior warning, which he claims creates a systemic risk for all user-generated content platforms, and he stated the attacker was demanding ransom from group administrators.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov clarified that the removal was caused by a 'takedown extortionist' who used a technical trick to plant AI-modified illegal content into an old message, making it invisible to members to trigger an automated report to Apple. Durov stated that the attacker was demanding ransom from group administrators and warned that Apple's decision to remove the app without prior notice creates a systemic risk for all mobile applications hosting user-generated content. The disruption, which lasted approximately 40 minutes on Monday, primarily affected new downloads and updates, while the app remained available on the Google Play Store.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov clarified that the removal was caused by a 'takedown extortionist' who used a technical trick to insert AI-modified illegal content into an old message, making it invisible to group members to trigger Apple's enforcement. Durov alleged the attacker was demanding ransom from group administrators and warned that Apple's decision to remove the app without prior warning creates a systemic risk for all user-generated content platforms.
Telegram's founder Pavel Durov revealed that the App Store removal was triggered by a 'takedown extortionist' who used AI-modified content edited into an old message in a public group—rendering it invisible to users and automated filters—to blackmail group administrators, and that Apple acted without warning, creating a systemic risk for all apps hosting user content; he also confirmed Telegram plans to update its moderation algorithms to detect such AI-altered content, while Apple maintained it acted per its child safety guidelines after the violating content was removed and the user banned.
