Pavel Durov, the founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, recently gave a rare interview to US journalist Tucker Carlson. During the interview, Pavel Durov mentioned that the app, which allows users to send messages, make calls and share files, is growing rapidly and is likely to surpass 1 billion monthly active users within a year.
Currently, Telegram has 900 million active users. Pavel Durov also emphasised that the app’s goal is to remain a neutral platform and not get involved in any geopolitical conflicts.
The Russian-born entrepreneur fled his country in 2014 due to government interference in a company he founded.
Telegram, which is one of the entrepreneur’s projects, is a popular messaging app that competes with Meta Platforms’ WhatsApp, which has over 2 billion monthly active users.
According to reports, Telegram is planning to pursue a US listing once the company becomes profitable. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Telegram has become an essential tool for sharing and accessing unfiltered information about the war for both governments and individuals.
It is worth noting that almost all major media, government entities, and public figures in both Russia and Ukraine use Telegram to operate their content channels.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy uses the app to post his daily video addresses, while his armed forces use it to warn of air raids and document battlefield developments.
Similarly, the Kremlin announces President Vladimir Putin’s activities on Telegram, while Russia’s opposition uses it to rally support.
However, critics argue that the app has also become a tool for spreading misinformation and manipulation. In March, a bill was submitted to the Ukrainian parliament to look at stricter regulation of Telegram and other social networks.
The Kremlin has advised Pavel Durov to be more attentive after the messaging application was allegedly used to help recruit the gunmen who attacked a concert hall outside Moscow in March.