Who is the Russian billionaire founder of Telegram?

On Saturday 24 April, the billionaire founder of the Telegram social media and messaging app, Pavel Durov, was arrested by French authorities as he disembarked from his private jet in Paris on his way from Azerbaijan.
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Officials said the arrest was part of an inquiry into criminal activity on the platform and a lack of cooperation with law enforcement. Durov has since been formally charged.

In a statement on Sunday, Telegram said it abided by European Union laws and that its moderation was ‘within industry standards and constantly improving’. ‘Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe,’ it said. ‘It is absurd to claim that a platform, or its owner, are responsible for abuse of that platform.’

Durov, known as the ‘Russian Mark Zuckerberg’ for having founded a similar platform to Zuckerberg’s Facebook in Russia called VKontakte, is a self-styled champion of free speech and has cultivated a reputation for being unwilling to work with authorities to censor and more closely control what happens on his platform. His arrest has raised important questions about the extent to which tech executives are responsible for how users employ their social media networks. Chris Stokel-Walker, a technology journalist, explains the implications of Durov’s arrest for the tech sector

Telegram CEO charged in France for ‘allowing criminal activity’ on messaging app ► https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/aug/28/telegram-ceo-charged-france-allowing-criminal-activity-app

What the Telegram founder’s arrest means for the regulation of social media firms ► https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/aug/27/what-does-the-telegram-founders-arrest-mean-for-the-regulation-of-social-media-companies-pavel-durov

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#paveldurov #telegram #technology

37 comments
  1. Every time I find a group to join like computer programming or interests. The place gets bombarded by bots. How do ppl have any thriving community in that app? I download and then delete it after being disappointed.

  2. We have fascists leaders leading the western world, mainstream media are complicit with this strategy. It is like arresting the boss of the post office, for what is sent through the post, ridiculous.

  3. It's amazing how the Cold war has been revived. We're all supposed to fear Russians now but it is obvious to many that the threat is from the governments of the West who hate their own people.

  4. These apps are only as secure as the owners price of freedom! Zuckerberg obviously on his own admission wasn’t that high?

  5. So when are we going to arrest the Toyota CEO for providing the Taliban with their vehicles? The Guardian support this tyrannical regime. I can see that only outliers like Farage provide a glint of hope.

  6. Should the owner of the post office be arrested for all those exploding letters and white powder that gets posted?

  7. Where the fk is the armed forces dealing with these dangerous situations invaders all over the west , only America has an armed population for this government tyrant agenda

  8. All they need is access to Telegram codes so they can monitor communications. Each time anyone restricts governments from invading your privacy some sort of extremism involved. Whistleblowers cannot trust any media resources nowadays. Assange and Snowden cases are clear example of that.
    If it is a government – it’s Top Secret.
    If it is your privacy – we will turn you inside out.
    When Russian government wanted Telegram banned – it was invasion of privacy and freedom of speech.
    When it is other way around – it is a nest for criminals and extremism.
    The only problem is that Telegram is not US, Europe, Russia or China based.
    I’m surprised The X was not banned yet…
    Too much to lose if Musk is arrested I guess 🤔

  9. Don't see America banning firearms, do you?
    Surely the Gun trade is guilty of killing billions of people.
    But it isn't the Gun.. it is what people do with it. (The people are guilty)

    The truth is obvious. They (world governments) want access to whatever we say
    whenever we say it. Russia removed VK from Pavel's ownership by force and now
    the French are trying to do the same with Telegram.

    You can have freedom of speech, but it comes with ZERO privacy.🤔

  10. I don’t use telegram because social media apps sucks. But I strongly feel this guy speech about who uses Telegram is one sided. He is trying to make me believe only the bad guys use telegram for private messaging.

  11. Catherine Bennett is an Observer columnist,
    Catherine Benet's article questioning Imran Khan's suitability as a candidate for Chancellor at Oxford University based on his nationality and political views,

    It is important to remember that the position of Chancellor at Oxford University should be based on qualifications, achievements, and dedication to public service, skepticism about Imran Khan's candidacy for the Chancellorship at Oxford University, it is vital to highlight the immense potential he brings to this prestigious role.

    Imran Khan's notable achievements as a well-respected philanthropist, his unwavering support for humanity through the establishment of free cancer hospitals, unversities and his dedication to providing quality education at no cost to those in need, stand as shining examples of his visionary leadership in service to community.

    Additionally, his relentless pursuit of accountability and justice for the misuse of public funds showcases his integrity and unwavering principles. Despite facing opposition, Imran Khan's vision for progress and inclusive growth stands out, making him a highly qualified candidate for the Chancellorship at Oxford University

    It is undeniable that Imran Khan's remarkable track record in humanitarian efforts and commitment to uplifting the underserved and marginalized communities significantly enhance his chances of winning the hearts and minds of the community at Oxford University.

    By embodying compassion, resilience, and a steadfast dedication to making a tangible difference in the world, Imran Khan presents a compelling case for serving as the Chancellor and becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.

  12. Telegram ceo aggressive progress annoyed American computer but Telegram as far as I has big server like but no intellutal otherwise may be given free coins or few hundred dollars but but Microsoft founder Bill gates never give free but he is honest man so any body like Genious like Pavel Durove is has to be watching so Pavel Durove is like King colt

  13. Warren Buffet sold his share in Apple but I think he knows about Telegram ceo arrested otherwise with out inside information neither Warren buffet or Indian Rakesh Junjuwal Rakesh Jhunjhunwala can't make money so Warren buffet Sir is fooled every body in the world

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