Telegram introduces official Age verification bot

Telegram has launched an official bot to verify user age via facial recognition — a move aimed at complying with regulations in countries where adult content access is legally restricted.

The facial scan bot is a verified Telegram mini-app and can be accessed independently, though it typically launches from the app’s settings menu. For now, it’s only available in regions where local laws require such functionality.

To initiate the process:
Settings → Chat Settings (or Privacy and Security on desktop) → Sensitive Content.

The bot performs a quick, private facial scan — no third-party tech involved, no data leaves your device, and nothing is stored on Telegram’s servers. The scan only determines whether a user appears over or under 18, with no additional data captured or shared:

Use this bot for a private age check via a brief on-device facial scan. No images or data leave your device or reach our servers. To comply with regional laws, we only check if you're likely under or over 18 — nothing else is stored or shared.

• If a user opts to view sensitive content, the app will prompt them to verify their age. The scan doesn't require Face ID, just camera access, and needs to be completed only once.
• The system can recognize still images, so attempting verification with fake faces won’t work.

Currently, this feature appears to be rolling out only in the UK. Without verification, adult content flagged by Telegram will remain blurred and inaccessible.

This move is part of Telegram’s broader effort to comply with laws targeting illegal pornography and explicit material — which has previously led to entire content networks being removed from the platform. Age checks may help Telegram maintain operations in tightly regulated markets while allowing users legal access to such content.