Telegram Rolls Out Third-Party Account Verification, Launches NFT Gifts Feature

In the latest development, Telegram has rolled out its first update of the year, adding a new account verification method powered by third parties, new message search filters, and the ability to turn gifts into NFTs. It has now launched a project to let verified third-party authorities, such as food-quality regulators or educational consortiums, verify an account. Accounts that are verified by a third party will have a new logo next to their names instead of a blue checkmark. Telegram also launched a way to turn gifts into NFTs with custom backgrounds and icons. Users can send gifts by spending Telegram Stars, which can be bought through the app or the Fragment site by connecting their TON crypto wallet.