diff --git a/gateway/platforms/telegram.py b/gateway/platforms/telegram.py
index cba396741fb..76288d4596d 100644
--- a/gateway/platforms/telegram.py
+++ b/gateway/platforms/telegram.py
@@ -4432,12 +4432,11 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         return cleaned or text
 
     def _should_process_message(self, message: Message, *, is_command: bool = False) -> bool:
-        """Apply Telegram group trigger rules and user allowlist.
+        """Apply Telegram group trigger rules.
 
-        DMs and group messages are both subject to TELEGRAM_ALLOWED_USERS
-        allowlist check. The chat also passes the ``allowed_chats`` whitelist
-        (when set), or ``guest_mode`` is enabled and the bot is explicitly
-        mentioned. Group/supergroup messages are additionally accepted when:
+        DMs remain unrestricted. Group/supergroup messages are accepted when:
+        - the chat passes the ``allowed_chats`` whitelist (when set), or
+          ``guest_mode`` is enabled and the bot is explicitly mentioned
         - the chat is explicitly allowlisted in ``free_response_chats``
         - ``require_mention`` is disabled
         - the message replies to the bot
@@ -4454,18 +4453,6 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         mentioning the bot (``@botname /command``), both of which are
         recognised as mentions by :meth:`_message_mentions_bot`.
         """
-        # Enforce TELEGRAM_ALLOWED_USERS allowlist for ALL message types
-        # (DMs and groups). Previously only callback actions were gated,
-        # leaving inbound messages unblocked (issue #23778).
-        _user = getattr(message, "from_user", None)
-        _user_id = str(getattr(_user, "id", "")) if _user else ""
-        if not self._is_callback_user_authorized(_user_id):
-            logger.warning(
-                "[%s] Unauthorized user %s — message dropped",
-                self.name, _user_id,
-            )
-            return False
-
         if not self._is_group_chat(message):
             return True