Compare
Targa vs. rule-based moderation bots.
Classic Telegram moderation bots — the Rose/Combot/Shieldy generation — were built around rules: keyword lists, link locks, captcha gates. They still do that job. The comparison below is about the job that changed.
| Rule-based bots | Targa (free) | Targa M2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detection model | Keyword / regex rules you maintain | Classical scoring engine, zero config | + LLM-grade analysis |
| Homoglyph obfuscation | Misses lookalike characters | ✓ normalized before scoring | ✓ |
| Edit-after-post | Usually screens once | ✓ re-screens edits | ✓ |
| Conversational scam funnels | — | flags patterns | ✓ built for them |
| Explains every action | Log lines at best | ✓ /why <id> with signals | ✓ |
| Cost | Free–paid | Free forever · $0 per message | Paid tier |
Rule-based capabilities described generally; specific products vary. Run them side by side — Targa doesn't conflict with an existing moderation bot.