Telegram CEO Pavel Durov claims the app was removed from the App Store due to a "takedown extortionist" who planted AI-modified child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Apple briefly removed Telegram for approximately 40 minutes on Monday night after discovering CSAM, but reinstated it after the content was removed.

Durov explained that extortionists demand ransom from group owners, threatening to target their communities by planting illegal content in public groups and reporting it to Apple. The attacker allegedly used a "technical trick" to bypass moderation by editing an old, invisible message in an active chat, preventing group members from reporting it.

Durov stated that Apple removed the app before contacting Telegram, suggesting Apple was manipulated into overreacting. He warned of a "potential systemic risk for every mobile app that hosts user-generated content." Apple confirmed finding CSAM that violated guidelines, noted Telegram removed the content and banned the user, leading to the app's return, but has not commented on the extortionist claim.