- Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, predicts the messaging app will surpass one billion users within a year.
- Despite challenges, including geopolitical pressures and competition, Telegram has seen rapid growth to 900 million active users globally.
- Durov emphasizes Telegram’s commitment to neutrality and free speech, resisting government influence and censorship.
In an interview, Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, shared his forecast that the messaging platform will soon reach an astounding milestone: one billion active monthly users. Currently at 900 million users globally, Telegram has experienced exponential growth, likened by Durov to a “forest fire”. Despite facing pressures, particularly from governments, Durov remains firm in his dedication to keeping Telegram a neutral platform, free from external influences.
Originating from Russia, Durov’s principled stance led him to leave the country in 2014 and establish Telegram in Dubai. Despite challenges and false rumors, Telegram has flourished, becoming a crucial platform during times of conflict, such as the Russia-Ukraine war. Durov highlights Telegram’s role in providing unfiltered information.
However, challenges persist, with tech giants like Apple and Google posing threats to freedom of speech by exerting control over content and app distribution. Finding refuge in the UAE, Durov sees the nation as a neutral ground conducive to Telegram’s autonomy. Through it all, Telegram remains a beacon of free expression, fostering diverse ideas and conversations worldwide.
