Creating VKontakte
In 2006, Russian-born Pavel Durov founded VKontakte (VK), a social networking platform that quickly grew into Russia’s largest social media site. His vision for free information flow made VK the “Facebook of Russia,” becoming a hub for connecting people and fostering online communities.
The Birth of Telegram
In 2011, Durov found himself in conflict with the Russian government. He refused to comply with demands to block opposition pages on VK during political protests. After conflicts with the Russian government and being forced out of VK, Durov left Russia and shifted focus to Telegram, an encrypted messaging app known for its commitment to user privacy. With over 1 billion users worldwide by 2023, Telegram gained widespread use in Russia, Ukraine, and former Soviet republics.
Arrest in France
On August 26, 2024, French authorities arrested Pavel Durov at Le Bourget airport outside Paris. The arrest came as part of an investigation by the Paris prosecutor’s office into crimes related to child pornography, drug trafficking, and fraud facilitated on Telegram. Durov faces allegations of complicity in illicit activities, money laundering, and refusal to cooperate with authorities.
Global Repercussions
Durov’s arrest sparked global reactions. Elon Musk criticized the action as an attack on free speech in Europe, while Moscow called for Durov’s rights to be respected during the investigation. Telegram’s role as a platform for both privacy and crime is now under intense scrutiny.
Pavel Durov: From Tech Pioneer to Legal Trouble
Creating VKontakte
In 2006, Russian-born Pavel Durov founded VKontakte (VK), a social networking platform that quickly grew into Russia's largest social media site. His vision for free information flow made VK the "Facebook of… pic.twitter.com/5KS0awKCaI— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TBBOB2) August 27, 2024