Pavel Durov, a Russian Giant level individual and the father of Telegram, gave a big interview for the first time in 7 years. Durov discredited any claims of working for or with the Russian FSB in the interview.
The source report claimed that Durov exerted every effort to discredit claims of any involvement with the Russian FSB by highlighting his goals as an entrepreneur and the ideals behind Telegram development.
Little Background Insight
Pavel Durov is the younger brother of Nikolai Durov. As of 29 September 2022, his net worth is estimated at US$15.1 billion. In 2022, he was recognized as the richest expat in the United Arab Emirates, according to Forbes. In February 2023, Arabian Business named him the most powerful entrepreneur in Dubai.
Durov announced that, in a bid to monetize the growing success of Telegram, he was launching the “Gram” cryptocurrency and the TON platform which raised a total of $1.7 billion from investors.
Telegram Reaffirms Commitment to Privacy
In an interview, Durov stated that the main goal of Telegram is to promote freedom of speech. The idea of creating Telegram came to Durov when he encountered security problems while using other communication methods. Durov’s brother, Nikolai, developed the encryption standard that Telegram still uses.
Furthermore, Telegram has refused to comply with government requests that violate their principles of freedom of speech and privacy protection. In 2013, the Russian authorities imposed Durov to provide the personal data of organizers of the Maidan, but Durov refused.
Consequently, he was handed two options: to comply with the special services’ demands or to sell his stake in VK, resign from his position as CEO, and leave the country. Durov chose the latter.
Moreover, all claims of Durov’s collaboration with the FSB and the Russian Federation have been discredited.
Additionally, Telegram has reached 900 million users without any advertising costs. Durov tries not to visit countries that are “major geopolitical players” (USA, Russia, and China), as the authorities of these countries are paying increased attention to the messenger.
Durov believes that all the devices he uses are compromised from a security perspective and can be hacked. In the UAE, Durov is impressed by the ease of doing business, developed infrastructure, and low taxes. He stated that he did not aim to become wealthy, but rather to achieve freedom.
