Pavel Durov, the enigmatic founder of Telegram, is a tech prodigy often dubbed the “Russian Elon Musk” for his libertarian views, entrepreneurial spirit, and unique lifestyle. Born in 1984 in the Soviet Union, Durov moved to Italy as a child before returning to Russia after the collapse of the USSR. Along with his older brother, Nikolai, Durov displayed an early aptitude for mathematics and coding, leading them to become tech innovators.
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In 2006, at just 21 years old, Durov founded Vkontakte (VK), often referred to as the “Facebook of Russia.” However, his relationship with the Russian government quickly soured when he refused to hand over the private data of Ukrainian users during the 2013 protests against Ukraine’s pro-Russian president. This defiance led to his resignation from VK, the sale of his shares, and his eventual departure from Russia. VK later fell under state control.
Determined to create a platform free from government interference, Durov launched Telegram in 2013, a messaging app known for its strong end-to-end encryption and commitment to user privacy. Telegram quickly gained popularity, attracting hundreds of millions of users worldwide. However, its refusal to cooperate with government demands for decryption has sparked controversy, with some governments accusing Telegram of being a haven for criminals.
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Durov’s personal life is as unconventional as his professional one. In July, he revealed that he has fathered over 100 children through sperm donations over the past 15 years, reflecting his obsession with pronatalism. Despite his wealth, estimated at $9.15 billion, Durov lives a borderless life, constantly moving between countries with multiple passports and residences.
Recently, Durov was detained in France in connection to a warrant related to Telegram’s moderation issues, further highlighting the ongoing global debate over privacy, security, and the role of big tech in society.
