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News Digest

Telegram iOS Aggressively Forces Update Prompts

On December 12, numerous iOS users reported that the Telegram app was forcefully demanding an update through persistent pop-up windows that interrupt usage at any moment, including right upon opening. The notification urges upgrading to version 12.2.4, warning that older versions may soon stop working entirely. Notably, these aggressive prompts appeared even on relatively recent […]

Telegram Adds Passkey Login, Safe Gift Offers, and Profile Audio for Stories

Telegram has rolled out a new update that focuses on security, monetization, and creative tools. Users can now enable passkeys to log into their accounts instantly using a device PIN or biometric methods like Face ID or fingerprints, instead of SMS codes. The encrypted keys are stored on the device and can be synchronized through […]

Telegram Hit by Outages and Restrictions in Russia from December 11

Early on December 11, 2025, dozens of users across Russia reported sudden disruptions in WhatsApp* and Telegram, with messages failing to send and media files not loading. Downdetector recorded hundreds of complaints from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other regions, dashing hopes for promised new features. Instead, users encountered technical issues and fresh limitations.  These outages […]

Pavel Durov Allegedly Helps “Natalnaya Karta” Star Recover Hijacked Telegram Account

Comedian and actor Dmitry Zhuravlev, host of the show “Natalnaya Karta,” says that in March scammers hijacked his personal Instagram and Telegram accounts by reissuing his SIM card with a fake passport in his name. After gaining control, they threatened his wife Elena with publishing their intimate correspondence and demanded money, which the couple refused […]

Mobile Internet Outage in Russia Disrupts Telegram

On 10 December, residents of multiple Russian regions, including Krasnodar Krai, reported significant problems accessing mobile internet and a number of popular online services. Users complained about disruptions in the networks of major operators such as MTS, Megafon, Tele2 and Beeline. For MTS, around 16% of all outage reports came from Krasnodar Krai, while Megafon […]

Telegram Earns at Least $8.1 Million from UFC and Khabib Nurmagomedov Collaborations

In the final months of 2025, Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov sharply increased his visibility in the world of mixed martial arts, attending UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi, appearing in photos with fighters, and accepting an offer to walk middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev to the octagon as a cornerman. These efforts culminated in major […]

Telegram Shadow Communities Survive Only Seven Months on Average

Research by Kaspersky experts shows that shadow communities in Telegram have an average lifespan of only seven months, based on analysis of more than 800 channels blocked between 2021 and 2024. The short life cycle is linked to Telegram’s relatively strict moderation: while criminals still use bots to automate illicit activities like selling stolen accounts […]

Durov Says Telegram Has “In‑Principle” $300 Million Grok Distribution Deal

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov said he has reached a preliminary one‑year agreement with Elon Musk’s AI company xAI to distribute the Grok chatbot to Telegram’s more than 1 billion users. Under the arrangement, Telegram would receive a reported $300 million in a mix of cash and equity, and be entitled to 50% of subscription revenue […]

Yandex’s @pic Becomes Telegram’s Leading Content Bot

Yandex’s Telegram bot @pic has risen to the top of the popularity rankings among content bots in the messenger. Company representatives told Durov’s Code that @pic is now one of the most used inline tools for sending media directly from the message input field, without needing to add the bot to a chat. To use […]

Telegram Unveils UFC Mystery Box Gift Campaign with $100,000 Art Basel Promo

Telegram has launched a new campaign built around digital gifts themed on famous UFC fighters. As part of the promotion, the platform is holding a public auction where any user can bid for a UFC Mystery Box. Winners will receive a box containing a collectible gift linked to a well‑known UFC athlete, potentially including stars […]

    5 USA-Focused News Telegram Channels

    5 USA-Focused News Telegram Channels

    Telegram has emerged as a trusted hub for accessing diverse, real-time news—especially for audiences seeking unfiltered, niche, or alternative coverage of U.S. and global events. Below are 5 tailored recommendations,…

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    2025-12-15 Create