Telegram was founded by Pavel Durov, a Russian entrepreneur who is also known for creating the Russian social networking site VKontakte (VK). Pavel Durov launched Telegram in 2013 with his brother, Nikolai Durov, who provided the technical expertise for the project. Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app that emphasizes privacy and security, and it has gained popularity worldwide as an alternative to other messaging platforms.
Pavel Durov, often referred to as the “Mark Zuckerberg of Russia,” is the visionary behind Telegram. Born on October 10, 1984, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Durov is known for his strong stance on privacy and freedom of speech, which significantly influenced the development of Telegram.
Before Telegram, Durov made a name for himself by founding VKontakte (VK) in 2006, which quickly became Russia’s most popular social network. However, after a series of disputes with the Russian government and corporate interests, Durov left VK in 2014. His departure was largely due to his refusal to cooperate with the Russian authorities’ demands to hand over user data and block certain groups on VK.
Following his exit from VK, Durov focused entirely on Telegram, which he had launched in 2013. Telegram was created as a response to growing concerns over digital privacy and government surveillance. Unlike many other messaging apps, Telegram uses a unique encryption protocol developed by Nikolai Durov, Pavel’s brother, who is a mathematician and programmer. This encryption protocol, called MTProto, allows Telegram to offer secure communication, making it a popular choice for users who value privacy.
Telegram quickly gained popularity due to its robust security features, including end-to-end encryption for secret chats, self-destructing messages, and the ability to send large files. The app also supports group chats with up to thousands of members, making it a versatile tool for both personal and professional communication.
Despite facing challenges, such as being temporarily banned in Russia and facing scrutiny from other governments, Telegram has continued to grow. As of 2024, it boasts over 700 million monthly active users worldwide. Pavel Durov remains at the helm of Telegram, overseeing its development and ensuring that it stays true to its core principles of privacy, freedom, and user-centric design.
Durov’s commitment to privacy has also made him a controversial figure, especially in countries with strict censorship laws. Nevertheless, his work with Telegram has cemented his reputation as a champion of digital rights and a pioneer in secure communication.
