Global messaging platform Telegram has unveiled a third-party verification system to increase security and transparency. The initiative is designed to tackle scams and reduce misinformation, addressing long-standing concerns over misuse of the platform by bad actors. In recent years, Telegram has faced criticism for its susceptibility to fraudulent activities, including phishing schemes, fake investment channels, cyber-bullying, and others. But now, the company has a new verification system that allows public figures and organizations to receive the Verified badge, enabling users to instantly identify legitimate sources of information.

To increase transparency, Telegram now supports official third-party services that can assign additional verification icons to user accounts and chats. This decentralized approach offers a proactive solution to prevent scams, setting a new standard for security on social platforms. This system operates independently of Telegram’s existing verification process.

Instead of the traditional blue checkmark, accounts and chats verified through third-party services will have a separate icon displayed to the left of their name. By clicking on the profile of a third-party verified account or chat, users can view details about the verification service and reasons for verification.

Verified accounts will be clearly marked, giving users confidence in their authenticity. This feature is expected to benefit businesses, influencers and public entities, ensuring secure and trusted interactions. The platform will also include advanced reporting tools to flag suspicious accounts, strengthening its efforts to reduce fraudulent activity.

This update follows recent challenges for Telegram, including the arrest of CEO Pavel Durov by French authorities on charges of enabling illegal activity on the platform. In response, Telegram has revised its privacy policy, disabled features likely to be abused, and taken a more proactive stance on moderation. Durov also revealed that Telegram achieved profitability last year, with total revenue of more than $1 billion.

Apart from the verification update, Telegram is introducing several new features. These include advanced search filters to make it easier to find specific chats, the ability to scan QR codes using the app’s built-in camera on both iOS and Android, and a feature that allows users to convert digital gifts into NFTs. Is.

Telegram said in its blog, “The search bar in your chats list lets you quickly find messages from any of your chats. Results in the ‘Chats’ tab now have additional filters to let you show only results from private chats.” Let’s refine the list.” Group chat or channel.”

Along with these features, the company has also announced that Telegram’s profitability in 2024 was driven by its premium subscriptions, privacy-conscious ads, and Telegram Stars.