Telegram introduces third-party account verification to improve transparency

Telegram has rolled out the first update of 2025, introducing several new features to its platform. One of them is called third-party account verification.

To further improve transparency on Telegram, the chat platform is introducing third-party account verification. The idea behind this feature is that already-verified third-party authorities, like health institutions or quality regulators, can verify an account.

When an account receives third-party verification, a small logo appears next to their account name. This logo is simple and minimalist, and in a solid color. Users can open the account’s profile to see a detailed explanation of its status and what it means.

“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 says in a blog post.

Third-party verification is meant to make it easier for users to independently confirm they are dealing with genuine people and services.

People or organizations that want to be authenticated by a third-party, must undergo a verification process. According to Telegram’s guidelines, participants must have an official bot that has been verified by Telegram. Only then they will be able to apply for third-party verification.

Third-party verifications are separate from Telegram’s already existing verified checkmarks that the platform provides for public figures and organizations.

Another feature that Telegram has rolled out is Collectible Gifts. Users can turn gifts into Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) with custom backgrounds, icons and numbers. These gifts can be transferred to other users, or auctioned on NFT marketplaces.

Other new features in Telegram’s first update of the year are emoji reactions for service messages, message search filters, custom emoji in folder names, and a QR code scanner.

Last year, Telegram received a lot of heat for not sharing personal information of criminal users with law enforcement authorities. In August, Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov got arrested in France for this.

After his release in September, Durov promised that Telegram would share personal information of suspects that might be involved in criminal activities that violate Telegram’s Terms of Service with law enforcement agencies.