Telegram Tests Built-in Fact-Checking to Combat Misinformation

Telegram has begun testing a new feature aimed at countering disinformation on its platform. The feature, called the Fact Check panel, is now available in the beta version of the Android app.

The new function highlights questionable posts by displaying a “Fact Check” banner beneath them. One of the first public sightings of the feature occurred in the We TON Telegram channel, under a post falsely claiming Telegram was leaving the Russian market. The panel included a clarifying message stating that founder Pavel Durov had made no such announcement.

Fact checks are automatically added when independent agencies publish verified rebuttals to misleading claims. Each panel provides a brief summary, a link to a full report, and the name and specialization of the verifying organization.

Telegram notes that these checks are not conducted by the platform itself, but rather by partner agencies selected based on user geolocation. The interface appears as a grid with the label "Fact Check," enhancing the post with additional context. It does not censor or block the original message.

It remains unclear which organizations are involved and what selection criteria are used. Telegram also hasn’t confirmed whether this system will extend to encrypted chats or only apply to public channels.