Apple Restores Telegram On App Store After Brief CSAM-Related Takedown

Apple briefly removed Telegram from its App Store worldwide after an App Store review flagged content that violated its child sexual abuse material (CSAM) policies. The messaging app was restored shortly after the identified material was removed. Telegram's App Store listing briefly displayed an error message, making it inaccessible to new users, though existing users continued to access the service.

Telegram confirmed the app's return to the App Store, stating it should soon be available for all users. Apple's removal of the app was due to the identification of CSAM in violation of its strict rules. Telegram reported removing over 337,900 groups and channels related to CSAM in 2026. This incident is reminiscent of a similar event in 2018 when Telegram and its alternative app, Telegram X, were removed from the App Store due to concerns about access to inappropriate content.

Telegram has been under increasing regulatory scrutiny in India, facing allegations of piracy, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and examination paper leaks. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting directed Telegram to submit an action taken report and explain its grievance redressal mechanism. Telegram maintains that it combats misuse through industry-leading moderation but faces growing concerns over its role in facilitating illegal activities.