Telegram CEO: Blackmailer Duped Apple into Takedown

Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, has asserted that a blackmailer was responsible for the recent brief removal of the Telegram app from Apple's App Store. According to Durov, extortionists are exploiting a vulnerability by manipulating Apple into overreacting.

The scheme involved an attacker inserting AI-modified illegal content into a public group chat, making it difficult to detect. This content was then reported to Apple, leading to the app's temporary delisting. Durov described these attackers as "takedown extortionists" who demand ransom from group owners.

Durov aims to alert other software developers to this tactic. He also defended Telegram's moderation, stating that illegal pornographic content is not a systemic issue and that attackers must resort to technical tricks.

The incident has fueled criticism of Apple's App Store control, with some arguing for greater competition within the iOS ecosystem.