Student genius and the birth of “Russian Facebook” (the owner of Meta is known as an extremist in Russia and is banned)
Pavel Durov was born in 1984 in Leningrad, to a philologist mother and a teacher father. From an early age, he showed a knack for programming and impressed teachers with his skills. After graduating from the Academic Gymnasium with honors, he studied at the Faculty of Philology at Saint Petersburg State University, where he stood out as a talented student leader and creator of university internet projects.
One notable project was the electronic library site Durov.com, which quickly became popular among students. In 2006, inspired by the growing success of Facebook in the United States, Durov decided to launch his own social platform, VKontakte.
The concept of a convenient site where users could communicate under their real names resonated deeply, and VKontakte rapidly grew, challenging established social networks and attracting millions of users. By 2014, Durov’s wealth was estimated in the hundreds of millions, and he had become one of the most recognizable figures on the Russian internet scene.
Conflicts, scandals and escape: who faced pressure from the authorities and why
Durov’s ascent was not without friction. His views and clashes with authorities were widely discussed. He publicly criticized government actions and refused to block opposition groups on VKontakte, even as tensions mounted.
The tension culminated in a criminal case after he declined to hand over user data related to protests in Ukraine in 2014. He subsequently sold his stake in VKontakte and left Russia, stating he would not return until political and civil reforms took shape in the country.
What is Pavel Durov’s citizenship?
After leaving Russia, Durov did not seek asylum but described himself as a “citizen of the world.” He acquired citizenships in Saint Kitts and Nevis, the United Arab Emirates, and France. He has often criticized governments that he argues impose taxes and restrict online freedom.
Positioning himself as an advocate for digital privacy and anonymity, he has kept up a critique of certain European Union policies related to online expression and data access.
Telegram: A new border and criticism from the EU
While living abroad, Durov focused on expanding Telegram, the messaging app he launched in 2013. Telegram is marketed as a private and secure communications platform, designed to guard against eavesdropping and hacking.
The promise of free and secure messaging attracted hundreds of millions of users globally. Yet many governments, including EU member states, have raised concerns about Telegram being used for illicit activities. The European Commission has criticized Durov for resisting certain demands to cooperate in the fight against terrorism and harmful content.
In 2024, Durov sat down for a wide-ranging interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson, criticizing EU and U.S. approaches to freedom of expression and online anonymity, and alleging pressure from intelligence agencies to access user data.
“One morning at nine, I was told the authorities were aware of my activities abroad. They wanted more details to better manage Telegram. It was a moment of intense scrutiny,” he shared during the interview.
What did Durov discuss with leadership in Azerbaijan?
Before his arrest in France, Durov visited Azerbaijan. Rumors of his presence in Baku circulated in early August, and photographs appeared showing a man resembling him at a restaurant in the capital. The purpose of the visit remains unconfirmed, though some reports claimed possible meetings with senior officials, including the president.
There were also reports of a potential meeting with Vladimir Putin, who was visiting Baku at the time. Some sources suggested Russian authorities hoped to discuss Durov’s possible return and his role in advancing domestic IT sectors. Official statements from the Kremlin denied any such meeting.
What is Pavel Durov accused of in France?
The French case marks a major chapter in the ongoing friction between Durov and authorities over content moderation on Telegram. French media outlets have cited investigations into various offenses, including online trafficking, cybercrime, and possible links to illegal activities. The case intersects with broader debates about moderation, privacy, and the balance between security and civil liberties.
Although Durov holds French citizenship, his critical stance toward certain policies and his reluctance to cooperate with international law enforcement have been cited in analyses of the proceedings.
The outcome of this situation remains uncertain, but it is clear that Durov’s public persona and Telegram’s trajectory are under intense scrutiny as governments weigh safety, privacy, and innovation in the digital age.