TECH NEWS

Telegram shortlinks knocked offline over sanctioned VPN connection

https://image.theregister.com/222435.jpg?imageId=222435&x=0&y=0&cropw=100&croph=100&panox=0&panoy=0&panow=100&panoh=100&width=1200&height=683

t.me borked for a day until platform proved it had no ties to service favored by cybercriminals

The operator of the .ME domain registry has confirmed that Telegram's t.me shortlinks stopped working for around a day while the messaging platform verified that links associated with a sanctioned VPN service had been removed.

The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated First VPN Service (1VPNS) on July 13 for selling services to ransomware groups and other cybercriminals.

Shortly after, users across the app reported problems with t.me links, which Telegram uses to share links to channels, groups, and profiles.

Founder and CEO Pavel Durovpublicly asked the .ME domain registry to look into it and Domain.Me confirmed the issues were related to OFAC sanctions.

"The .ME Registry works closely with law enforcement to monitor and mitigate issues across the .ME domain in accordance with applicable laws, including sanctions requirements," Domain.Me ...

Copyright of this story solely belongs to theregister.com. To see the full text click HERE

Read more