The Rise and Fall of Pavel Durov: From VKontakte to Telegram

The recent arrest of Pavel Durov in France has caused turmoil in the digital world, especially within the Telegram messaging app, which boasts a massive user base of over 900 million active users. Alongside his older brother Nikolai Durov, Pavel created Telegram, known for its robust privacy features that defy state actors while also facing criticism for its role in spreading disinformation.

Before his involvement with Telegram, Pavel Durov founded VKontakte, often dubbed as the Russian Facebook. As a libertarian and world citizen, Durov prioritizes personal freedom and has led a unique lifestyle, giving up alcohol and meat, remaining single, and having multiple children with different partners.

Despite being a billionaire with a net worth of $15.5 billion, Durov does not indulge in luxury possessions like yachts or private jets. His principled stance against overconsumption has garnered attention, reflecting his unconventional approach to life and business.

From pioneering social media platforms to navigating conflicts with governments, Pavel Durov’s journey is a testament to his resilience and commitment to privacy and freedom in the digital age.