Apple Temporarily Removes Telegram from App Store for CSAM Violations

Telegram Reinstated on the App Store After Brief Removal Over CSAM Concerns

After a temporary removal from the App Store by Apple due to concerns about child sexual abuse material (CSAM), Telegram is back online. Apple found that Telegram violated guidelines prohibiting CSAM but reinstated the app after the offending content was promptly removed and the user responsible was banned.

In response to Apple’s actions, Telegram questioned the consistency of such enforcement across all apps on the platform in the future. The messaging app emphasized its commitment to safety by blocking and removing content that breaches its policies, with millions of pieces of content being removed daily.

Telegram’s spokesperson, Remi Vaughn, criticized Apple for disrupting communication for billions of users over the actions of a single user. Vaughn highlighted Telegram’s proactive approach in removing over 337,900 groups and channels associated with CSAM in 2026. Despite the brief removal, users could still access the app if it was already installed.

Update, August 4th: Telegram has issued a statement in response to the reinstatement on the App Store.