Telegram, a popular global messaging platform, has launched a third-party verification system aimed at improving security and combating scams on the platform. This new initiative is set to address longstanding concerns over Telegram’s vulnerability to fraudulent activities. The move is designed to provide greater transparency, helping users identify legitimate sources of information more easily.
Telegram has been criticized for being a breeding ground for fraudulent activities, including phishing scams, fake investment schemes, cyberbullying, and more. In response, the company has introduced a third-party verification process that allows public figures, organizations, and businesses to obtain verified badges. This new system enables users to easily identify legitimate accounts and chats, which will significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to scams or misinformation.
The third-party verification system allows external, authorized services to assign additional verification icons to user accounts and chats. This decentralized approach goes beyond Telegram’s traditional verification system, providing an extra layer of trustworthiness to users. The additional icons, distinct from the typical blue checkmark, will be displayed next to verified accounts and chats, making it easier for users to spot credible sources.
Instead of the conventional blue checkmark, third-party verified accounts will feature an alternative icon to the left of the account or chat name. By clicking on the verified account, users will be able to see details about the third-party service that conducted the verification and the reasons behind it. This transparency ensures users can confidently interact with verified accounts while minimizing exposure to harmful content or scams.
Telegram’s third-party verification system is designed with businesses, influencers, and public entities in mind. These users can now have their accounts verified to guarantee that their interactions on the platform are secure, trustworthy, and authentic. This move is particularly beneficial for public figures and organizations that want to build trust with their followers or customers by showcasing their legitimacy.
In addition to third-party verification, Telegram has also introduced advanced reporting tools that allow users to flag suspicious accounts and activities more effectively. These tools provide a proactive approach to combat scams, ensuring that the platform remains safe and secure for all users. By making it easier to report fraudulent accounts, Telegram hopes to reduce harmful activities on the platform.
Telegram’s new verification system comes after several challenges, including legal scrutiny. In recent months, Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, was arrested by French authorities due to allegations that Telegram facilitated illegal activities on the platform. In response to these issues, Telegram has updated its privacy policies, disabled features prone to misuse, and adopted a more proactive stance on content moderation.
Additionally, Telegram announced that it achieved profitability last year, with a reported total revenue exceeding $1 billion. This marks a significant milestone for the company, indicating that it has gained financial stability despite its past controversies.
Telegram's updates are not limited to third-party verification. The company has also introduced several new features to enhance user experience. One of the most notable additions is the ability to scan QR codes using the built-in camera on both iOS and Android devices. This feature makes it easier for users to access Telegram channels, groups, and other accounts simply by scanning QR codes.
Moreover, Telegram has added advanced search filters to its chat list, making it more convenient for users to find specific messages across private chats, group chats, and channels. This feature allows for a more refined and streamlined search experience, saving users time and effort when looking for information.
In addition, Telegram now offers a feature that allows users to convert digital gifts into NFTs, tapping into the growing trend of blockchain technology and digital assets.
Telegram's recent profitability in 2024 was largely driven by its Premium subscriptions, privacy-conscious advertising, and the introduction of Telegram Stars, a new initiative aimed at helping creators monetize their content. This revenue model has helped Telegram remain financially viable while continuing to focus on user privacy and security.
Conclusion: A Safer and More Transparent Telegram Experience
The introduction of third-party verification, along with other security features, marks a significant step forward for Telegram in improving user trust and safety. By offering greater transparency and tools to combat fraudulent activities, Telegram is addressing concerns about its platform's misuse. As Telegram continues to evolve, its new features and focus on security set the stage for a safer, more transparent experience for users worldwide.