Telegram Introduces Third-Party Verification to Prevent Scams

Telegram's New Features to Combat Scams

Telegram has taken a significant step towards enhancing the security of its platform with a new feature aimed at reducing scams and misinformation. Announced on a recent Wednesday, this update allows official third-party services to assign verification icons to users and chats, setting it apart from the existing verification process for public figures and organizations.

Understanding the New Verification System

Unlike the traditional blue checkmark associated with verified accounts on various social media platforms, Telegram's third-party verification will display a unique icon next to the name of the verified accounts or chats. This system adds an extra layer of trust as users can click on the verified profile to see which service has verified the account and the reasoning behind it.

Criteria for Third-Party Verification

• Official Bot Requirement: Only services that possess an official bot verified by Telegram can apply to become a third-party verifier.
• Purpose: This measure aims to prevent scams and reduce misinformation across the messaging platform.

Taking Cues from Other Platforms

This initiative mirrors a feature used by X, which enables verified organizations to assign affiliation badges to related accounts. Such measures are becoming increasingly important in the current digital landscape where misinformation can easily spread.

Recent Developments in Telegram

These updates come on the heels of a turbulent period for Telegram, especially following the arrest of CEO Pavel Durov in France over allegations of enabling illegal activity on the platform. In response, the company has swiftly updated its privacy policy, disabled certain “misused” features, and altered its approach to moderation. Durov has since announced that Telegram became profitable last year, with total revenue climbing above $1 billion.

Additional New Features Being Rolled Out

In addition to the new verification feature, Telegram is introducing several other functionalities:

• New Search Filters: To streamline the process of finding specific chats.
• QR Code Scanning: Users can now scan QR codes directly through Telegram’s in-app camera on both iOS and Android devices.
• Digital Gifts to NFTs: A feature that allows users to convert digital gifts into Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).

Conclusion

With these changes, Telegram is not just trying to enhance user experience but is also addressing critical safety concerns in real-time. As it adapts to the ever-changing digital environment, users can expect further innovations that prioritize security and streamline connectivity.

Call to Action

Have you noticed a difference in your Telegram experience with these updates? Share your thoughts in the comments below!