Pavel Durov is a Russian-born tech entrepreneur who has founded popular social networks and a cryptocurrency, amassed a multi-billion-dollar fortune, and challenged authorities in Russia and around the world. Once referred to as the “Russian Zuckerberg,” Durov was recently arrested in France after being detained at a Paris airport. He gained fame in Russia in his 20s after creating the VKontakte (VK) social network, which rivaled Facebook throughout the former U.S.S.R. Following disputes and ownership battles, he sold VKontakte and launched Telegram, a messaging service known for its lack of content moderation.
Despite controversy surrounding Telegram, Durov has remained a mysterious figure, rarely giving interviews and making enigmatic declarations on the platform. He is a self-avowed libertarian who promotes confidentiality and encryption in messaging. The 39-year-old entrepreneur has adamantly refused to moderate messages on Telegram, allowing users to post various content on their channels. Durov is currently facing charges in France, including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, terrorism promotion, and fraud, which are being investigated by French authorities.
Durov’s entrepreneurial journey began with VKontakte in 2006, where he attracted users while maintaining a secretive persona. In 2012, he made headlines by showering money on pedestrians from VK’s headquarters in St. Petersburg. Following conflicts with the Kremlin over user data privacy, he sold VKontakte and left Russia in 2014. Durov then developed Telegram with his brother and obtained citizenship in Saint Kitts and Nevis and later France. Telegram’s success has been attributed to its stance on freedom, censorship resistance, and user privacy, which has drawn the ire of authorities.
Despite facing opposition from various governments, Telegram has remained highly popular and is used by both the Russian government and opposition. The application plays a significant role in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, with bloggers on both sides using the platform to share information and opinions. Durov’s unconventional lifestyle, including his dietary choices and sperm donations, has attracted attention. His wealth is estimated at $15.5 billion, but his cryptocurrency, toncoin, has dropped in value following news of his arrest. Durov claims to respond to requests to remove violent content on Telegram.
The entrepreneur leads a solitary life and resembles Keanu Reeves in “The Matrix,” often posting messages on his Telegram channel. In an interview with U.S. journalist Tucker Carlson, he highlighted Telegram’s appeal due to its independence, privacy, and freedom. Durov has embraced a unique approach to parenting, claiming to be the biological father of over 100 children through sperm donations in multiple countries. Despite accusations against Telegram for spreading conspiracy theories and hosting illegal activities, Durov maintains that he removes violent or harmful content when requested. Critics continue to scrutinize the platform’s role in sharing misinformation and illicit activities.
