Telegram Expands Verification: Third-Party Organizations Can Now Verify Accounts

2025-01-02

Telegram, the popular messaging app, is expanding its account verification system. Previously, only notable public figures and organizations could obtain the coveted blue checkmark by demonstrating their notability through press coverage and linking their Telegram accounts on other platforms.

Now, Telegram is introducing a new system that allows already-verified organizations to independently verify additional accounts they operate. This decentralized approach aims to enhance security and combat misinformation by empowering trusted entities to authenticate their presence on the platform.

Key Changes:

Third-Party Verification: Organizations can now verify accounts beyond their main profile, ensuring authenticity across their entire presence.
New Verification Badge: Verified accounts by third-party organizations will display a unique logo instead of the standard blue checkmark.
Enhanced Security: This system aims to prevent scams and reduce the spread of misinformation by empowering trusted sources to authenticate themselves.

Decentralized Approach: Organizations can use

Example:

A publication like 9to5Mac, once verified, can independently verify the accounts of its individual writers. This allows readers to easily identify and trust content from verified journalists within the 9to5Mac ecosystem.

Telegram’s expanded verification system represents a significant step towards a more secure and trustworthy platform. By empowering trusted organizations to authenticate their presence, Telegram aims to create a more reliable environment for users to interact and consume information.

What Undercode Says:

Telegram’s move to allow third-party verification is a commendable step towards increasing transparency and combating misinformation. This decentralized approach offers several advantages:

Increased Trust: By empowering trusted entities to verify their own accounts, users can more easily identify legitimate sources and distinguish them from impersonators or those spreading false information. This builds trust within the Telegram ecosystem.
Improved Security: This system enhances security by making it more difficult for bad actors to create and operate fake accounts impersonating legitimate organizations or individuals.
Streamlined Verification: The use of the Bot API simplifies the verification process for organizations, making it more efficient and scalable.
Greater Control: Organizations have greater control over which accounts are verified, ensuring that only legitimate and authorized accounts represent their brand or entity.

However,

Thorough Vetting Process: A rigorous vetting process is essential for organizations seeking to obtain the authority to verify other accounts. This will help prevent the system from being exploited by malicious actors.
Transparent Verification Policy: Clear and transparent guidelines must be publicly available, outlining the criteria for third-party verification, the appeals process, and the consequences of violating the policy.
Regular Audits: Regular audits of the verification system are necessary to identify and address any potential issues or vulnerabilities.
User Education: Telegram should educate users about the new verification system, explaining the different types of verification badges and how to identify legitimate accounts.

By carefully implementing these measures, Telegram can ensure that its expanded verification system effectively enhances security, combats misinformation, and fosters a more trustworthy environment for its users.