Telegram restored to App Store after Apple flags child sexual abuse material

Apple briefly pulled Telegram from its App Store late Monday after identifying content that violated its rules against child sexual abuse material, but restored the messaging app once Telegram removed the material and blocked the user who shared it.

A view of the entrance to Apple’s flagship Fifth Avenue store in New York City, U.S, July 9, 2022. (Adobe Stock Photo)

Apple pulls app before quickly bringing it back

Apple told several U.S. media outlets that an investigation had uncovered prohibited content on Telegram.

The app was subsequently taken down from the stores used by iPhone and iPad owners.

However, the removal proved temporary, as Telegram promptly took down the material and blocked the user responsible for sharing it, leading Apple to reinstate the app.

TWEET

Telegram responded to the development on X, the U.S.-based social media platform, with the statement: "Reports of my demise are greatly exaggerated."

Telegram messaging app CEO and co-founder Pavel Durov watches the bantamweight bout between Russia’s Said Nurmagomedov and US' Mario Bautista at UFC 321 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, October 25, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Telegram faces separate pressure elsewhere

The App Store action came as Telegram faced unrelated scrutiny in other countries.

Russia added Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov to its list of terrorists and extremists on June 30.

Separately, Australia's Office of the Internet Safety Commissioner filed a lawsuit against Telegram, accusing the messaging platform of failing to remove content linked to terrorism.

August 04, 2026 02:47 PM GMT+03:00