Telegram has released the first update for 2025, including third-party account verification, NFT-powered gifts, and enhanced message search filters.
This follows Telegram CEO Pavel Durov enacting a new privacy policy to start verifying "almost 1 billion users" after he was arrested last year by French authorities for failing to prevent drug trafficking and child abuse on the messaging app.
Building on its existing verification program, Telegram now allows third-party authorities, such as regulators and consortiums, to verify accounts, which will display a unique logo instead of the traditional blue checkmark.
“This decentralized platform for additional verification will help prevent scams and reduce misinformation — setting a new safety standard for social platforms,” Telegram wrote in a blog post.
Entities must complete a verification process and apply to qualify for the verified mark, with affiliated accounts displaying their organization’s logo upon approval.
By introducing this new safety feature, Telegram is building trust and affinity not only with brands, agencies, celebrities, and influencers but also with all its users who can rest assured that they're following or engaging with official accounts.
This proactive approach shows that the platform has learned from its past mistakes and is striving to create a much safer environment for all of its users.
NFT Gifts with Telegram Stars
Users can now send customizable NFT gifts using Telegram Stars, purchasable via the app or through the Fragment site using TON crypto wallets.
NFT gifts can be upgraded to collectible and traded on external platforms, with Telegram charging a fee to cover blockchain transaction costs.
Each collectible gift is a one-of-a-kind piece of art, featuring a random combination of secondary traits like background color, icon, and number, with some being rarer than others.
Other updates include emoji reactions for service messages and advanced message search filters for private chats, groups, and channels.
Telegram also announced that the sustainable monetization features it introduced in 2021 have now yielded results.
In 2024, the platform has finally achieved profitability through its Premium subscriptions, privacy-focused ads, and Telegram Stars, enabling it to continue prioritizing user privacy and enhancing the app's UX design.
Meanwhile, Instagram introduced teen accounts late last year to enhance the protection of its young users.
