CUPERTINO, California — Apple has restored Telegram to its App Store after briefly removing the messaging platform over content found to violate the company’s policies on child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
The messaging app disappeared from the iPhone and iPad App Store on Monday without prior notice, temporarily preventing new users from downloading the application.
Existing Telegram users, however, continued accessing the service while the platform remained unavailable for download.
The app was reinstated later the same day after Telegram took action against the reported content.
Apple Cites Violation of Child Safety Policies
In a statement issued after restoring the application, Apple said Telegram had been removed following a review that identified content violating its strict rules on child sexual abuse material.
According to the technology company, Telegram responded quickly by removing the offending content and permanently banning the user responsible.
“The app was restored after the platform promptly removed the content and banned the user who posted it,” Apple said.
Telegram Says Only One User Was Involved
Telegram confirmed that Apple had flagged a single user for sharing child sexual abuse material on the platform.
In a statement shared with several media outlets, the company said the offending account was immediately banned.
Telegram also highlighted its broader content moderation efforts, stating that it has removed more than 337,900 groups and channels linked to child sexual abuse material in 2026.
The company added that it had taken down 29,640 such groups and channels during 2025, including removals made following reports from child protection organizations such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Following the restoration, Telegram’s official X account joked about the incident by posting:
“Reports of my demise are greatly exaggerated.”
The platform also appeared to criticise Apple’s enforcement approach, posting:
“I’m sure this stance will be applied equally to all other apps in the store, in the future right?”
Epic Games CEO Criticises Apple’s Decision
The temporary removal drew criticism from Epic Games Chief Executive Officer Tim Sweeney, who argued that Apple’s App Store policies give the company excessive control over software distribution.
Sweeney described Telegram as an important communication and privacy platform and questioned Apple’s decision to temporarily remove the app because of content posted by a single user.
He also argued that such actions demonstrate the risks associated with a single company controlling access to mobile applications through its marketplace.
Telegram Faces Growing International Scrutiny
The App Store incident comes as Telegram continues to face regulatory pressure in several countries.
Late last month, Russian authorities charged Telegram founder and Chief Executive Officer Pavel Durov with aiding terrorism as part of the country’s broader crackdown on major internet platforms.
Separately, Australia’s online safety regulator recently initiated legal proceedings against Telegram, alleging the platform failed to remove extremist material, including videos linked to white supremacist attacks and ISIS propaganda.
Telegram has denied those allegations and said it intends to challenge the case in court
