An official bot has appeared in Telegram, allowing users to verify their age.
The service is implemented in the format of a mini-application with facial recognition. It has been verified by Telegram and is available in the account settings. The new tool only works in countries where the law requires restricting access to adult content.
Users can get verified through "Settings" — "Chats" or "Privacy and Security" (on desktop) — "18+ Materials". Telegram emphasizes that all data is processed locally: the image is not saved, not transmitted to servers, and does not go to third parties.
The company clarifies that the technology only determines whether a user is 18 years old and does not collect other information. The device's camera is used only once. Face ID is not required — a front camera is sufficient. The bot recognizes attempts to use a fake image.
So far, the feature is only available to users in the UK. Without verification, content marked as "18+" remains hidden.
Telegram has introduced a new mechanism to comply with local laws and continues to restrict access to sexually explicit material.
Read more on this topic:
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