Pavel Durov and Juli Vavilova Attend amfAR Gala at Cannes Film Festival 2025

The Creation of Telegram

In 2013, Pavel and his older brother Nikolai, who was also a talented programmer, launched Telegram, a cloud-based instant messaging app designed with privacy and security at its core. Telegram was conceived as an alternative to existing messaging platforms, emphasizing end-to-end encryption, user anonymity, and resistance to censorship.

Telegram’s architecture was innovative. It used a decentralized server system and encryption protocols to ensure that user conversations remained private and secure. Pavel’s background in cryptography and security played a significant role in developing these features. The app quickly gained popularity worldwide, especially among privacy-conscious users, journalists, and activists.

Telegram’s user-friendly interface, support for large group chats, multimedia sharing, and emphasis on privacy helped it grow rapidly. The platform became a favorite among users seeking secure communication channels, especially in regions with oppressive regimes or strict censorship laws.

Expansion and Global Growth

From its launch, Telegram experienced exponential growth. By 2017, it had over 100 million active users, and that number continued to rise sharply. Pavel’s vision of a free, secure communication platform resonated globally, leading to millions of downloads across various countries.

Telegram also introduced features such as channels for broadcasting messages to large audiences, bots for automation, and secret chats with enhanced security. The platform became a hub for diverse communities, including political activists, journalists, and tech enthusiasts.

In addition to its technical features, Telegram became known for its stance on free speech and resistance to government censorship. This stance sometimes put the platform at odds with authorities, leading to bans or restrictions in countries like Russia and Iran.

May 24, 2025 | 1:13 pm