Apple temporarily removed Telegram from the App Store in a few countries. On 3 August, several users reported that they could not find Telegram on the App Store. Even if they searched for it, the app didn’t appear in the search results on iPhone and iPad, but the Google Play Store still has it.
Though Apple never officially revealed any reasons behind the removal, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman reported a statement from Apple that the removal of Telegram from the App Store is temporary and that the reason is a violation of App Store rules regarding child sexual abuse material. He further added, “The app was subsequently restored after the developer promptly removed the content and banned the user who posted it.”
The removal shocked users, but Telegram has faced similar issues multiple times on the App Store. The app was previously removed in response to content moderation concerns. In 2018, Apple pulled Telegram off the App Store globally after identifying inappropriate content circulation.
This time, only selected countries faced this issue, and India isn’t among them. In fact, in every country, those who have been using the app already have faced no issues on iPhone or iPad. It’s for those who tried to join the ecosystem for the first time.
Every app on the App Store must follow Apple's rules as well as the laws of the countries where it is available. If an app breaks those rules or a government sends a valid legal request, Apple can remove it from sale in that market.
Also Read: Google Play Store May Soon Warn Users About Delisted Android Apps
This does not mean the app is banned everywhere, Apple often blocks apps only in the countries covered by the legal request. Once the issue is resolved, the app can return to the App Store.