Apple temporarily pulled the messaging apps because of «inappropriate content.»
Messaging app Telegram and newly-released Telegram X are back on the App Store after being pulled by Apple at midnight CET, according to ZDNet.
Telegram is back on the Apple App Store after being temporarily pulled.
Soon after the apps disappeared, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov tweeted that Apple had removed them because of «inappropriate content,» adding, «Once we have protections in place we expect the apps to be back on the App Store.»
Durov later tweeted confirmation of the apps’ return.
Telegram X is a faster alternative to Telegram and includes themes and more efficient battery use. Both Telegram and Telegram X remained available on Google Play.
Telegram says it’s more secure than other messaging systems like WhatsApp, because its secret chats use end-to-end encryption, don’t leave a trace on our servers, block forwarding and support self-destructing messages.
But the app has also been a target of criticism for allowing terrorists to communicate. UK Prime Minister Theresa May said in a speech last week that «smaller platforms can quickly become home to criminals and terrorists. We have seen that happen with Telegram. And we need to see more co-operation from smaller platforms like this.»
For its part, Telegram states on its website, «While we do block terrorist (e.g. ISIS-related) bots and channels, we will not block anybody who peacefully expresses alternative opinions.»
Apple didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
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