Pavel Durov, the billionaire behind the popular messaging app Telegram, has recently been questioned and charged in France for allegedly allowing criminal activity on the platform. Despite this controversy, Telegram remains one of the most downloaded apps in the world, with over 700 million active monthly users and a goal to surpass 1 billion within a year.
Durov, often referred to as „Russia’s Mark Zuckerberg,“ is the founder and owner of Telegram. His estimated fortune of $15.5 billion places him as the 120th richest person in the world. Born in Russia, Durov left the country in 2014 after refusing to comply with government demands to shut down opposition communities on VKontakte (VK), a social media platform he co-founded with his brother. He later sold VK and moved to Dubai in 2017, becoming a French citizen in August 2021.
Telegram’s popularity has led to increased scrutiny from various countries, including Russia, where the app was blocked in 2018 for not granting state security services access to encrypted messages. Despite this, Telegram remains influential in Russia, Ukraine, and former Soviet republics. The app’s commitment to protecting user privacy and human rights, such as freedom of speech and assembly, has made it a key player in pro-democracy movements worldwide.
Durov’s unique persona, characterized by his preference for dressing in all black, has garnered attention. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, having helped over 100 couples in 12 countries have children as a sperm donor. Following his arrest in France, activists in Moscow showed their support by placing paper planes, symbolizing Telegram’s logo, near the French embassy.
In a recent interview with Tucker Carlson, Durov expressed his desire for freedom over taking orders from anyone, highlighting his commitment to maintaining Telegram’s principles. Despite the challenges he faces, Durov continues to lead the app’s growth and impact on global communication.