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Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram is in the news in 2024 because of his sudden arrest in France. Given Pavel’s influence on the Internet with Telegram and TON, this news is being received around the world with a different reaction. Let’s learn about Pavel Durov’s professional and personal life in this article and try to understand more about the reasons behind his recent arrest.
Telegram and TON are both very crucial platforms for the Web3 Ecosystem globally and for people who are getting to learn web3. There are thousands of communities, bots, and channels that are popular in decentralized ecosystems and support open-source communities to a great extent.
Let’s dive into his profile and to learn more:
Who is Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram?
Pavel Durov is a visionary entrepreneur, best known as the founder and CEO of Telegram, a cloud-based messaging app that has gained widespread popularity for its focus on privacy and security. Often referred to as the “Russian Mark Zuckerberg,” Durov’s career began with the creation of VKontakte (VK), Russia’s largest social network, before moving on to develop Telegram in 2013.
How old is Pavel Durov?
Born on October 10, 1984, Pavel Durov is currently 40 years old. Despite his relatively young age, Durov has already made a significant impact on the tech industry, particularly in the realm of secure communication, competing with WhatsApp, Signal, and many other Internet-based chat applications.
Where does Pavel Durov live?
Pavel Durov is known for his nomadic lifestyle. He does not have a permanent residence and frequently travels around the world. After leaving Russia in 2014 due to political pressure, Durov adopted a digital nomad lifestyle, making him a true global citizen without any permanent home. He has been spotted in cities like Dubai, Paris, SF, and London, but his exact current location is often kept private.
In a recent podcast, Pavel admitted that he doesn’t own a home, piece of land, or a car under his name. He is truly living the life of a global digital nomad.
How does Pavel Durov make money?
Pavel Durov’s primary source of income comes from his ownership of Telegram. Although the app does not run ads or sell user data and has zero revenue, Durov has managed to keep it financially viable through his wealth, accumulated from the sale of his stake in VKontakte and investments.
Additionally, Telegram launched a premium subscription service in 2022, offering users additional features for a fee, further contributing to its revenue stream.
Where is Pavel Durov?
As of now, Pavel is in France. Pavel Durov was arrested in France at the Le Bourget Airport near Paris, and allegedly has not been charged but is in custody and being interrogated by a French law enforcement agency that handles financial crimes.
Before this, Pavel Durov was leading a nomadic lifestyle, so pinpointing his exact location at any given time can be challenging. He is often seen in cities around the world, and he is believed to spend a significant amount of time in Dubai.
Personal Life
Pavel Durov is a private individual, and little is known about his personal life. He has never been married and does not publicly discuss his relationships. His focus appears to be entirely on his work and building Telegram and TON.
100 Biological Kids: Internet Rumor
A rumor circulated in 2019 claiming that Pavel Durov had fathered 100 biological children. However, this is unsubstantiated and should be regarded as an internet myth rather than fact. Durov himself has not addressed these rumors publicly.
The Founding Story of Telegram
Telegram was founded in 2013 by Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai, following their departure from VKontakte. The idea for Telegram emerged from their desire to create a secure communication platform that could withstand government surveillance and censorship. The app quickly gained traction, particularly among users in countries with strict government controls, and has since grown into one of the leading messaging platforms worldwide.
Pavel Durov’s Networth
Pavel Durov’s net worth is estimated to be around $15.1 billion as of 2024. His wealth primarily stems from the sale of his VKontakte shares and his ownership of Telegram, which has seen immense growth over the years.
Why did Pavel Durov get Arrested?
Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, was arrested in France on August 24, 2024, as part of an investigation into criminal activities associated with Telegram. Durov, who holds Russian, French, and other citizenships, was taken into French custody at Le Bourget Airport near Paris after arriving on a private flight from Azerbaijan.
Charges Against Durov
As per the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office, Pavel Durov has been charged with the following:
- Being complicit in storing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), facilitating drug trafficking, and facilitating organized fraud and other illegal transactions on Telegram
- Refusing to cooperate with law enforcement when they file formal requests for information or documents
- Failing to formally declare or certify Telegram’s cryptographic features, which is considered a minor offense
- Participating in a “criminal association with a view to committing a crime or an offense punishable by 5 or more years of imprisonment,” as well as money laundering
Telegram’s Response
Telegram has strongly denied the allegations against Durov and the platform. In a statement, the company said, “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner is responsible for abuse of that platform.” Telegram maintains that its content moderation practices are “within industry standards and constantly improving.”
Debate Over Platform Responsibility
Durov’s arrest has reignited the debate over how much responsibility tech platforms should bear for the content and activities of their users. While some argue that platforms like Telegram should be held accountable for illegal content and activities, others raise concerns about censorship and the potential chilling effect on free speech.
The outcome of Durov’s detention remains uncertain, but the case could set a precedent for legal actions against other tech platforms and their leaders. It may also prompt platforms to take a more proactive approach to monitoring and managing illegal content while balancing user privacy with legal obligations.
Pavel Durov’s creation, Telegram, is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 700 million active users. Known for its strong encryption and privacy features, Telegram has attracted users who prioritize security in their communication. Durov remains heavily involved in the app’s development and continues to champion the principles of privacy and free speech.
TON: Telegram Open Network
What is TON?
TON (Telegram Open Network) was an ambitious blockchain project initiated by Pavel Durov and his team in 2018. The idea behind TON was to create a decentralized platform that could facilitate transactions and host decentralized applications. However, due to regulatory challenges, particularly from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the project was eventually halted in 2020. Despite this setback, TON lives on in various community-driven projects inspired by Durov’s original vision.
Telegram and Web3
While TON may not have reached its full potential, Telegram remains an essential platform for the Web3 community. The app is widely used by blockchain projects, decentralized finance (DeFi) communities, and crypto enthusiasts for communication and collaboration. Telegram’s commitment to privacy and its decentralized ethos aligns closely with the principles of Web3, making it a natural fit for this emerging digital landscape.
Conclusion
Pavel Durov is a fascinating figure in the tech world, known for his unwavering commitment to privacy and freedom of expression. As the founder of both VKontakte and Telegram, he has left an indelible mark on the digital landscape. Despite legal challenges and a nomadic lifestyle, Durov continues to lead Telegram as a beacon of secure communication in an increasingly surveilled world. His legacy, along with the success of Telegram, will likely continue to grow as privacy concerns become more prominent in the global conversation.