Apple briefly removes Telegram from App Store over CSAM content

Apple briefly removed Telegram from the App Store on Monday night after its review team found content that violated rules against child sexual abuse material. The messaging app returned around 40 minutes later after Telegram removed the content and banned the account responsible for posting it.



Apple confirmed that the removal affected Telegram’s iPhone and iPad app listings in several countries, while existing users continued using the service without interruption. Telegram also remained available through the Mac App Store and Google Play during the temporary takedown.



In a statement, Apple said it restored Telegram after the developer acted quickly to remove the prohibited material and block the user involved. Telegram later said Apple had reported one account sharing CSAM, which the company banned immediately after receiving the alert.



Telegram says one account caused the removal




https://twitter.com/telegram/status/2084467357569970681




Telegram said it removed more than 337,900 groups and channels connected to CSAM during 2026, alongside 29,640 removals in 2025 following reports from organisations including the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.



Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticised Apple’s decision and argued that the incident showed why the App Store needs more competition. He also questioned how Apple applies similar standards to large communication platforms that handle content from millions of users.



Apple previously removed Telegram and Telegram X from the App Store in February 2018 over inappropriate content. The company restored both apps after Telegram introduced additional safety measures designed to prevent similar violations.