Explainer: Who is Pavel Durov and Why Is He Making Global Headlines?

On August 25, 2024, Pavel Durov was detained in France. He faces potential charges stemming from his refusal to moderate content on Telegram—an incident that has sparked serious concerns about the future of free speech and digital rights across Europe.

As Durov’s name dominates headlines and social media buzzes with discussions about his arrest, our editorial team has decided to look closely at who Pavel Durov is and why he is the focal point of global attention. We've organised the content into accessible sections to help you navigate the complexities of this story and understand why it holds such significant implications.

Early Life, Education, and the Creation of VK

• Date of Birth: Pavel Valerievich Durov was born on October 10, 1984, in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg).
• Education: Durov received an excellent education, attending the Academic Gymnasium in Saint Petersburg before graduating with honours from the Faculty of Philology at Saint Petersburg State University.
• Founding VK: In 2006, at the age of 22, Durov launched the social network VKontakte (VK), which quickly became one of the largest and most popular social networks in Russia and the broader post-Soviet space. VK rapidly attracted millions of users due to its intuitive interface and the ability to share multimedia files, establishing Durov as a significant figure in the tech industry.

Conflict with Authorities, Protests, and Exile from Russia

In 2011, amid growing protests in Russia, government authorities demanded that Durov remove certain groups and pages associated with opposition movements. Durov refused to comply, which led to a serious conflict with the authorities. By 2014, he was forced to leave Russia after being pressured to sell his shares in VK. Durov publicly stated that his decision was driven by a refusal to cooperate with the government.

The Creation of Telegram

In 2013, after leaving VKontakte, Pavel Durov, alongside his brother Nikolai, developed Telegram, a messaging app designed with privacy and security at its core. The idea for Telegram originated in Russia, where Durov was subjected to pressure from the FSB for refusing to block opposition groups. After a particularly harrowing experience where armed police attempted to break into his home, Durov realised the need for a secure communication platform.

Telegram was born out of this need, and it quickly became known as a "neutral platform for all," with rules applied equally to all users, regardless of their political views. Durov has consistently emphasised that the platform’s neutrality and respect for user privacy are fundamental principles that set Telegram apart from other messaging apps.

The Blocking and Unblocking of Telegram in Russia

• Blocking: In April 2018, Roskomnadzor, Russia's communications watchdog, ordered the blocking of Telegram after the company refused to provide the FSB with encryption keys to users' messages. Despite extensive efforts to block the app, users continued to access Telegram through various means, bypassing the restrictions.
• Unblocking: By June 2020, after two years of being blocked, Roskomnadzor lifted all restrictions on Telegram in Russia. This move came after Telegram indicated its readiness to cooperate with authorities on anti-terrorism efforts.

The Conflict with the SEC Over TON

In 2018, Pavel Durov announced the development of the Telegram Open Network (TON), a blockchain platform, along with its cryptocurrency, Gram. The project garnered significant interest from investors but soon ran into legal challenges from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In 2020, after prolonged legal battles, Durov announced the termination of the project and returned funds to investors.

Relocation to the UAE

After leaving Russia, Pavel Durov began searching for the ideal location to establish Telegram’s headquarters. He initially considered Germany, the United Kingdom, and Singapore but encountered bureaucratic obstacles that hindered his ability to attract top global talent. In 2017, Durov ultimately chose the United Arab Emirates (UAE), moving to Dubai where he obtained citizenship. The UAE provided an ideal environment for Telegram’s headquarters, offering a favourable tax climate, robust infrastructure, and a lack of governmental interference. Durov has noted that during his seven years in the UAE, he has not experienced any pressure from local authorities, a stark contrast to his previous experiences in other countries.

Telegram’s Rapid Global Expansion

In recent years, Telegram has emerged as one of the fastest-growing messaging platforms globally, attracting a diverse user base that includes activists, journalists, and entrepreneurs. By 2024, Telegram's user base had reached 900 million, despite the company not spending a single dollar on marketing.

This surge in popularity was driven by privacy concerns surrounding other platforms like WhatsApp, as well as Telegram’s commitment to security and freedom of expression. The platform’s ability to provide secure communication tools has made it the go-to choice for those who value privacy and autonomy.

Government Pressures and Blockages Around the World

Telegram has faced numerous restrictions and blockages in various countries, including Iran and China, where it has been accused of facilitating the spread of prohibited information and refusing to grant access to user data. In August 2024, Telegram was banned by the Amsterdam municipality, which prohibited its use on government devices due to concerns that the platform was being used to coordinate criminal activities.

In the United States, Telegram came under intense scrutiny following the events of January 6, 2021, when supporters of Donald Trump stormed the Capitol. Durov was ordered to provide data on the participants of the riots, but after consulting with legal advisors, he chose to ignore the request, citing concerns over violating the U.S. Constitution.

Despite these challenges, Telegram continues to operate in most countries worldwide, facing pressure not only from governments but also from tech giants like Apple and Google. These companies have the power to demand the removal of content they deem in violation of their policies or even to remove the app from their stores if it fails to comply.

Durov’s Multiple Citizenships

• Russian Citizenship: Pavel Durov was born in Russia and initially held Russian citizenship.
• Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship: In 2013, he obtained citizenship from Saint Kitts and Nevis through investment.
• UAE Citizenship: In 2017, Durov also acquired citizenship in the United Arab Emirates and relocated to Dubai.
• French Citizenship: In 2021, Durov obtained French citizenship, though the specifics of his naturalisation process remain undisclosed.

Scandals

• Money Throwing from the Singer House: In 2012, Durov staged an event during which he and his colleagues threw 5,000-ruble notes out of the windows of their office on Nevsky Prospect in Saint Petersburg. This action sparked widespread discussion and criticism.
• Condemnation of War: Durov has consistently spoken out against various military actions, including his vocal criticism of Russian aggression in Ukraine.
• Sperm Donation: In July 2024, Durov confirmed that he is the biological father of over 100 children, having been a sperm donor in multiple countries. He revealed that 15 years ago, the head of a clinic suggested he become a donor, leading to the birth of numerous children in 12 countries.

Personal Life

Pavel Durov is famously private about his personal life. He has no children and is not officially married. Most of his public appearances and photographs are strictly related to his professional endeavours.

Pavel Durov’s Interview with Tucker Carlson

In 2024, Pavel Durov gave his second major video interview in eight years, this time to American journalist Tucker Carlson, shortly after Carlson interviewed Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In this candid discussion, Durov detailed the pressures he faced from various governments that led to his departure from Russia, as well as the circumstances surrounding the creation of Telegram amidst persecution by the FSB. He also shared his thoughts on selecting a location for Telegram's headquarters, emphasising that the platform’s neutrality and independence have always been paramount to him.

Public Figures on Pavel Durov’s Arrest

Prominent figures such as Vitalik Buterin and Elon Musk have already expressed their support for Durov on social media. Buterin noted that despite his previous criticism of Telegram for its approach to encryption, Durov’s arrest for refusing to provide user data raises significant concerns. Elon Musk, showing his support, launched the hashtag #FreePavel and posted an ironic comment: "POV: It’s 2030 in Europe — you're executed for liking a meme." Musk also shared a video of Durov's interview with Tucker Carlson, highlighting the importance of free speech in the digital age.

Pavel Durov’s Core Principle

Pavel Durov is a man for whom freedom has always been the highest value. His views on the world, his independence from external pressures, and his unwavering commitment to personal and professional liberty are clearly reflected in his words and actions.

“Freedom is more important than money” — this principle has guided Durov throughout his career, becoming his credo. “It’s better to avoid arrests. What’s the point of spending time in jail?” — this quote, made by Durov about the arrest of Russian entrepreneur Ilya Sachkov, now takes on new resonance in light of his own detention.

“Security of personal data is a right, not a privilege” — another key tenet that defines the current situation. Durov has always emphasised his readiness to defend this right, even in the face of intense pressure.

“Compromise is worse than any alternative” and “A lack of belief in the ability to change the world is worse than laziness, drunkenness, or drug addiction” — in these words, we see the resolute character of Durov, his determination to adhere to his principles, and his belief that even one person can change the course of events.

These quotes speak for themselves. They need no commentary or analysis — each one reflects the essence of Pavel Durov, his views on life, and the convictions he has repeatedly demonstrated in practice.