Telegram’s new verification feature, introduced on Wednesday, aims to combat scams and misinformation by allowing official third-party services to verify users and chat groups. Unlike Telegram’s existing blue checkmark verification for public figures and organizations, this new system uses unique icons displayed next to the name of the verified account or chat. These icons signify verification by a specific third-party service, providing users with greater context and assurance. Clicking on the profile reveals the verifying service and the reason for verification, such as “Verified by the Learning Standards Authority for quality language education,” offering transparency and bolstering trust. This approach allows for nuanced verification based on specific criteria defined by the third-party services, extending beyond the more general verification currently in place.
This third-party verification process is designed with security in mind to prevent fraudulent verification attempts. Only services with an official bot already verified by Telegram can apply to become a third-party verifier. This prerequisite ensures a baseline level of trust and legitimacy for the verifying entities. By requiring pre-existing verification of the bots themselves, Telegram aims to create a layered security approach, minimizing the risk of malicious actors exploiting the system for their own purposes. This approach echoes similar efforts by other platforms like X (formerly Twitter) with its affiliation badges assigned by verified organizations to related accounts, reflecting a growing trend towards more specialized and contextual verification methods.
Beyond enhancing verification, Telegram’s latest update also introduces significant improvements to its search functionality. New search filters enable users to refine their searches for specific chats, making it easier to locate desired conversations within the platform. These filters likely incorporate criteria such as keywords, dates, media types, and other parameters to provide a more granular and effective search experience. This enhanced search capability addresses the challenge of navigating the vast amount of information and conversations within Telegram, particularly for users who are part of numerous groups and channels.
Furthermore, Telegram has integrated a convenient QR code scanning feature directly within its in-app camera on both iOS and Android devices. This feature allows users to quickly and easily access information or join groups and channels by scanning QR codes. This streamlines the process of connecting with others and accessing content on Telegram, eliminating the need for third-party QR code scanning apps. This integration provides a seamless user experience and further enhances the platform’s utility, particularly for situations involving physical events or offline interactions where QR codes are commonly used for sharing information.
In addition to these practical updates, Telegram has also embraced the growing trend of digital ownership by introducing a feature that allows users to convert digital gifts into NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). This allows users to own and potentially trade unique digital items within the Telegram ecosystem. This move reflects a broader move towards integrating blockchain technology into messaging platforms and offers users new ways to interact with and value digital content. This functionality may also open up opportunities for creators and artists to monetize their digital work within the platform.
These updates collectively demonstrate Telegram’s ongoing commitment to enhancing user experience, security, and functionality. The introduction of third-party verification addresses the growing need to combat misinformation and scams, while the improved search filters and QR code scanning capabilities streamline user interactions and information access. The integration of NFTs further positions Telegram at the forefront of innovation in the messaging space, offering users new avenues for digital ownership and interaction. These enhancements cater to a diverse range of user needs and reflect Telegram’s dedication to maintaining its position as a leading messaging platform.
