Telegram has launched a phased introduction of age verification technology, introducing a specialized bot with facial recognition in the UK. The new tool was developed in response to changes in legislation that require digital platforms to strictly control the age of users, primarily in order to protect minors from unwanted content.
Inside the bot, it is possible to launch a special camera designed to scan the user's face. Image processing is carried out within the framework of a technology that provides local data verification without transmitting biometric information to external servers. The developers emphasize that Telegram does not store personal data in the cloud, and the entire verification process is limited by the internal algorithm.
Users who have successfully passed the age check get access to the messenger's limited features, including viewing certain types of media files. The new tool is currently available exclusively in the UK, where strict rules governing the age tolerance for content have come into force. In case of non-compliance with the requirements, online platforms can face serious fines, reaching up to 18 million pounds, or 10 percent of the annual turnover.
In the future, the verification system can be integrated into other digital services related to Telegram, including the cryptocurrency infrastructure of the TON ecosystem. The bot's functionality can then be used to verify your identity when making transactions, participating in private chats, and accessing tokenized products based on the blockchain platform.
Telegram continues to develop tools aimed at meeting international requirements in the field of digital security and data protection. Testing new mechanisms first in jurisdictions with higher standards of control demonstrates the company's strategic course towards global scaling and compliance with the principles of digital ethics.
