Telegram has rolled out its first update of the year, adding a new account verification method powered by third-parties, new message search filters, a

Telegram rolls out third-party account verification, filters

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2025-01-02 17:00:03

Telegram has rolled out its first update of the year, adding a new account verification method powered by third-parties, new message search filters, and the ability to turn gifts into NFTs.

The chat app already had a program to verify public figures and organizations on the platform, and it has now launched a new project to let already-verified third-party authorities, such as food quality regulators or educational consortiums, verify an 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.

People or organizations that want to be authenticated will need to be first undergo verification and complete an application to become eligible to recieve the verified mark. Telegram said that entities can use its Bot API to assign or remove verification — somewhat akin to organizations buying verification on X and verifying their affiliated accounts. These affiliated accounts will have the organization’s logo on their profile once they are verified.

Telegram also launched a way to turn gifts into NFTs with custom backgrounds and icons. Users can send gifts by spending Telegram Stars, which you can buy through the app or through the Fragment site by connecting their TON crypto wallet.