Telegram Adds Third-Party Account Verification, Message Search Filter Features in New Update
Instant messaging app, Telegram has updated its platform for the first time this year. The new update comes with a Telegram account verification feature that’s powered by third-parties. According to TechCrunch, the recent update also includes message search filters and gift-to-NFTs conversion features.
Additional Verification
Telegram already had a feature for verifying organizations and public figures on the platform. With the latest Telegram update, the chat app introduces a new project where third-party authorities that have been verified can verify other accounts. Third-party authorities include educational consortiums and regulators.
Accounts that third-party authorities verify will have a new logo replacing the blue checkmark. The social media platform says the new logo will appear next to the name of the verified account.
“This decentralized platform for additional verification will help prevent scams and reduce misinformation- with a unique proactive solution that sets a new safety standard for social platforms,” Telegram said in a blog post.
Third-Party Authentication
Telegram’s new feature comes soon after its CEO Pavel Durov announced a new privacy policy. The policy paved the way for verification of close to 1 billion users on the platform following his arrest by French authorities last year. Durov was arrested for failing to prevent child abuse and drug trafficking on the social media app.
Organizations or users who wish to be authenticated will first have to undergo a verification process. This includes completing an application before becoming eligible for the verified mark. According to the company, authenticated third-party entities will be allowed to use the Telegram Bot API to remove or assign verifications.
This is very similar to entities purchasing verifications on X and verifying accounts that are affiliated to them. Once verified, affiliated accounts will have the logo of the verifying entity on their profile.
Gift-NFT Conversion
Besides Telegram’s third-party verification, the social media platform also announced a new way of converting gifts to NFTs with customized icons and backgrounds. With this feature, users will be able to send gifts they buy using Telegram Stars. Gifts can be purchased via the app or fragment sites by linking TON crypto wallets.
According to the messaging app, users can trade their NFTs on various platforms. The social media platform charges users to upgrade gifts to collectibles in order to cater for blockchain transaction fees. Collectible gifts are unique pieces of art that feature random combinations of background colors, numbers, or icons. Some collectibles gifts are more rare than others.
Telegram uses cryptocurrencies for mini app and game payments, as well as to facilitate creator monetization. Other updates on the platform include advanced search filters for private groups, chats, and channels as well as emoji reactions for messages.
Telegram’s Profitability
Telegram says that the monetization features launched in 2021 have paid off. Last year, the chat app attained profitability through privacy-focused ads, premium subscriptions, and Telegram Stars.
This has enabled it to focus on user privacy through the Telegram safety feature while improving the platform’s UX design. User safety took prominence in 2024 with leading social media giants like Meta and TikTok taking big hits. Last year, Meta-owned Instagram launched a teen account feature in a bid to improve minor safety.
