telegram just automated your dms. bots can now connect to user accounts and handle incoming dms on their behalf
capabilities:
• read messages in user-approved chats
• reply as the user (with permission)
• send messages, chat actions, etc via business_connection_id
• 24h activity window for outbound actions
impact: existing bots get a massive upgrade path. any bot using the bot api can opt into secretary mode via botfather and start processing business_message updates. no rewrite needed, just new handlers
what you can build:
- ai auto-responders that triage dms while you sleep
- crm bots that log every client convo
- personal assistants that draft replies in your voice
- sales bots that qualify leads in your inbox

Your Telegram inbox can now run itself.
— Pavel Durov (@durov) May 21, 2026
Assign a bot to read and reply for you — with granular control over its permissions and chat access.
API docs: https://t.co/aAZHC6zsjb pic.twitter.com/XJMb5qeGOy
Nick Trenkler