Apple has asked the Telegram messenger to block certain news or propaganda channels for iPhone users with Ukrainian SIM cards.
This was reported by Telegram founder Pavlo Durov.
Durov recalled that in February 2022, he proposed to restrict Telegram channels in Ukraine and Russia because “they were used for military propaganda.” However, according to him, both Ukrainian and Russian users categorically opposed the restrictions, “prioritizing freedom of access to information, even if it is biased.” So then the founder of the app supported the opinion of users and did not impose restrictions on Telegram channels in Ukraine and Russia.
However, he said, Telegram still blocks accounts and bots that collect coordinates for targeted strikes or publish personal information of other people with calls for violence.
Durov says that Telegram is currently receiving official letters from Apple demanding that it block some news and propaganda channels for iPhone users with Ukrainian SIM cards. According to him, “certain changes are unavoidable here,” as Telegram has to consider requests from the App Store to remain available to users.
