Telegram Briefly Removed From App Store After CSAM Report, CEO Blames Extortion
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1h ago

Telegram Briefly Removed From App Store After CSAM Report, CEO Blames Extortion

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Telegram was temporarily removed from Apple’s App Store Monday night after child sexual abuse material (CSAM) appeared in a public chat, according to Telegram CEO Pavel Durov. Durov claims an extortionist planted the CSAM specifically to trigger the app's removal. “Apple removed Telegram from the App Store before contacting us,” Durov stated on X. He argues this practice creates “a potential systemic risk for platforms with user-generated content.”

Durov did not specify how the extortionist gained access or what demands were made, but asserts the incident highlights a vulnerability for any platform reliant on user-created material. No right-leaning outlets have reported on this story as of press time.

The app was restored to the App Store after Apple investigated and determined the CSAM had been planted, though details of that investigation haven’t been released.

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