Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, declared that the messaging app has never disclosed private user messages.
Telegram's boss Pavel Durov ain't no snitch! For 12 years, this messenger has kept its mouth shut, none of that pesky private message business divulged. And with good reason – even if old man EU waves around a legitimate court order, the only info Telegram'll cough up is the IP addresses and phone numbers of any suspected lowlives. Hell no, Telegram won't be cracking its encryption or trample on human rights just to increase market share.
But France wasn't having it. They tried to force messenger apps like Telegram to open up a "backdoor," giving 'em access to user chats. The Senate gave 'em the green light, but the National Assembly said nah, as it should be. If France went down this road, it'd be the first totally uncrypted country in the world. A move ain't just scary for users but also opens up juicy targets for hackers and snooping intelligence agencies.
On August 24, 2024, things got a bit hotter for Durov as he got nabbed at Le Bourget airport. He managed to post bail of 5 million euros and has to check in with the police twice a week. The court hit him with 6 out of 12 alleged charges, including giving the raspberry to authorized bodies who need info for legal intercepts.
Fast forward to March 2025, and Durov's back in Dubai. The investigation's still going, but it seems he might've found a way to toe the line or had the conditions relaxed. As for Telegram, they're still firm as a rock when it comes to protecting data, even if it means ditching snoopy ol' France.
Stay tuned for more updates on the drama with Telegram and ol' Pavel Durov! You can follow our Telegram channel @expert_mag for all the news as it unfolds.
- Despite France's efforts to compel messenger apps like Telegram to disclose user chat data, Telegram remains adamant about protecting its users' privacy, refusing to compromise its encryption for increased market share.
- In the face of ongoing legal battles, Telegram, under the leadership of Pavel Durov, continues to prioritize data protection, maintaining its stance even when it comes to excluding France from its user base due to the country's push for unfettered access to user chats.
