Telegram auction platform Fragment introduces mandatory KYC, using Sumsub’s third-party certification service

PANews reported on November 26 that, according to an announcement from Telegram Info (@tginfo), the Telegram-exclusive auction platform Fragment has begun mandatory real-name authentication (KYC) procedures, requiring users to undergo identity verification in order to purchase "Gram", Telegram Premium, or anonymous phone numbers. The verification process is provided by a third-party service, Sumsub, which requires users to submit an email, phone number, ID document scans, and a facial photo. Users can check the authentication status of their Telegram account and TON wallet on the Fragment profile page. The current methods of purchasing Telegram Premium and Gram through @PremiumBot or app stores remain unaffected. Decentralized markets (such as Getgems.io) still support the purchase of anonymous usernames and phone numbers using cryptocurrencies without KYC, but the long-term usability of these Non-Fungible Tokens on Telegram remains uncertain. Telegram has not yet responded to this change.