Telegram CEO accused Apple of forcing apps to censor content and try to hide users

Recently, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov revealed that the company is under pressure from Apple to censor content on its application.

Specifically, Apple asked Telegram to remove three channels related to the Belarusian uprising and said it had “disclosed personal information” of law enforcement and propagandists inciting violence.

Durov objected to Apple’s demands and insisted that these channels were created to expose government oppressors. But the company has few options because if it fails to comply with the requirements, Apple will ban its app on iOS.

However, what bothers Durov even more is the fact that Apple asks Telegram users not to say the move was appointed by Apple.

In the past, when deleting posts at Apple’s request, Telegram replaced those posts with a notice citing that content restriction rule for iOS users, Durov wrote . has contacted us and said that our apps are not allowed to display such messages because they are irrelevant.By hiding their requests in ambiguous language, Apple is trying trying to evade responsibility for enforcing their own rules. Under this poll, more than 94% of Belarusian users say that Apple must leave these channels alone.

Durov added that Apple used the same “unrelated” information language to protest Facebook’s informing users about the 30% fee to share with Apple. “I completely disagree with Apple’s definition of” irrelevant “. I think why something is censored or why the 30 percent commission is relevant,” Durov said .

The Telegram CEO concluded: “Apple has the right to be greedy and to pursue formalism. But it’s time Apple has to learn to take responsibility for its policies instead of trying to hide it from users because they deserve to know.” “.

The recent wave of protests against Apple has exposed much of the company’s intentional activity, including overpowering apps with in-app purchases, thereby making a profit and making special deals. with some companies. This is something Apple claims they never do.

Telegram is often considered one of the main alternatives to WhatsApp and iMessage. This app is available on both Android, iOS and desktop. Telegram focuses primarily on user privacy and features like secret chat, allowing users to set a timer to self-destruct the chat, thereby ensuring that no one else can read the messages.

In August, Telegram also filed a lawsuit against Apple with the European Commission for non-competitive behavior on the App Store.

Refer to MSpoweruser