Who is Pavel Durov?

X ^ | 8/24/24 | Russian Market

[hardspunned]

Pavel Durov, the founder and owner of Telegram, is a significant figure in the tech world. As of August 24, 2024, his net worth is estimated at $15.5 billion, placing him among the world’s wealthiest individuals, ranked #120.

Durov’s notable achievements began with the creation of VKontakte (VK), Russia's largest social network, which he co-founded with his brother Nikolai in 2006. VK quickly became a dominant platform in Russia, similar to Facebook. #Durov’s tenure at VK was marked by disputes with Russian authorities over data privacy and content control. In 2014, facing mounting pressure, he was compelled to sell his stake and leave the company.

[hardspunned]

“an iron curtain has descended across the continent”

[hardspunned]

BFMTV reports that Telegram founder Pavel Durov was put on a wanted list just minutes before landing in Paris, and an arrest warrant was issued. #FreeDurov

[Grampa Dave]

Telegram founder Pavel Durov recently revealed to Tucker Carlson that the FBI approached a Telegram engineer, attempting to secretly hire him to install a backdoor that would allow U.S. intelligence agencies to spy on users.

The FBI also hired agents to infiltrate ‘anti-vaxx’ Telegram groups, with FBI contractors creating multiple fake online identities to join chat rooms run by groups opposing vaccine mandates.

[PGalt]

Thanks for the information.

[xoxox]

who, indeed.

[kiryandil]

I foresee a flurry of arrests of Frenchy citizens in the Russian Federation.

The Putin should arrest a couple of French diplomats just for laughs...

[dfwgator]

There is no “Free World” anymore.

[Grampa Dave]

Thanks.

Sorry about the multiple posts.

All of us could be involved in that scheme.

[Grampa Dave]

Thanks and be careful while online.

[hardspunned]

Putin said that non Ukrainian killer for hire mercenaries captured as the Kursk Pocket collapses will not eligible for prisoner swaps. They are being considered “spies”. I’m sure this is one reason why. Hopefully, he’ll be able to swap out some French mercenary goons for a leader of world wide free speech.

[mass55th]

“...an iron curtain has descended across the continent”

I remember the first Iron Curtain.

[RushIsMyTeddyBear]

Bkmrk

[Right_Wing_Madman]

“an iron curtain has descended across the continent”

Not only has France become part of the new Soviet Union, the French brag about being part of the new Soviet Union.

[Right_Wing_Madman]

FBI contractors creating multiple fake online identities to join chat rooms

This practice has been going on for a while and explains several Zeeper postings on this site.

[grey_whiskers]

As well as exDemWhores and a number of others.

[grey_whiskers]

As well as exDemWhores and a number of others.

[Bratch]

Telegram Messaging App Founder and CEO Arrested in France

August 24, 2024 | Sundance

Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai are genuinely brilliant tech programmers, mathematicians and entrepreneurs.  The Durov brothers founded the Telegram communication app in 2013.  Telegram now has 950 million active users who can send messages, photos and videos, take part in chats for groups of up to 200,000 people and broadcast to unlimited audiences.

Telegram is the preferred messaging and communication app for those concerned with privacy.  In my own travels, plans and purposeful interactions, I use Telegram frequently.  It is the best communication tool available, and the tech interface is brilliant. However, various government agencies hate Telegram because of the privacy it provides.

Pavel and Nikolai Durov are originally Russian; their app was created and tested deep inside the surveillance state.  The Russian government could not compromise it, and Pavel’s unwavering perspective on private communication has been thoroughly tested in subsequent years.  Telegram is a success because Pavel Durov has proven he is trustworthy.

Pavel Durov was just arrested by the French government for refusing to compromise on the user privacy of his app.

ReclaimTheNet – […] Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the encrypted messaging app Telegram, was arrested this Saturday evening, according to French media.

The incident occurred at Le Bourget Airport just as Durov, accompanied by a bodyguard and a woman, disembarked from his private jet. Durov, who holds dual Franco-Russian citizenship and is 39 years old, had just arrived from Azerbaijan.

The arrest was executed by members of the GTA (Gendarmerie of Air Transport), acting on a French search warrant. This warrant, issued by the OFMIN of the national directorate of the French judicial police, was based on allegations that Telegram’s operational policies — specifically its lack of censorship and lack of cooperation with law enforcement’s censorship demands, along with features such as disposable phone numbers and cryptocurrency transactions — indirectly support illicit activities.

Emphasis below, mine!

[…] The arrest of Durov marks a major escalation in the global debate over the balance between privacy and security, and could have profound implications across multiple dimensions:

Legal Precedent: This incident could set a legal precedent for how nations handle the regulation of encrypted communication platforms. If Durov is prosecuted for the actions of users on his platform, it might lead to increased pressure on other tech companies to monitor and control user behavior, potentially compromising the commitment to user privacy.

Government Surveillance and Privacy: The case highlights the tension between government surveillance and individual privacy rights. Governments may use this incident as a justification to demand greater access to encrypted communications, arguing that it’s necessary for national security and law enforcement. This could lead to broader legal and regulatory changes that erode privacy protections in digital spaces. (read more)

In the wake of the attempted assassination of President Trump, we have already seen the professionals in DC start the process to outlaw private communication apps like Telegram. {See Here} 

The Intelligence Community would like to remove the ability of Americans to communicate privately without the government intercepts.

The BASELINE – The Durov brothers are exceptionally gifted.  In reference to the principle of freedom and liberty that guides Pavel, he has my respect, and I understand his value system with great clarity.  Pavel Durov recognized very early, much earlier than most, that information would be fulcrum challenge, and without private communication the value of information is always eroded.  Privacy is critical in order for accurate information to flow.  That is the value of Telegram.

Durov controls Telegram. 

Durov is the owner and proprietor of Telegram.  Durov talks openly about the *touches* from U.S. intelligence and government officials toward him and his communication platform.  He is very open about the contacts by FBI and various intel officials, and notes those conversations were always unnerving.

Elon Musk controls Twitter.

Elon Musk was talking about the importance of user privacy and security at the exact same time he was secretly complying with the DOJ to give the metadata of all Donald Trump supporters from his platform.  These things do not reconcile, and I refuse to pretend the conflict between Musk’s words and his actions doesn’t exist.  When he first bought the platform, Elon Musk promised that Direct Messages (DM’s) on Twitter would be encrypted. After the first few stories about DHS controlling Twitter content, ie “the Twitter Files”, Musk never followed through.

“This situation [with Pavel Durov] is a litmus test for the future of digital privacy, encryption, and the role of tech companies in moderating content and cooperating with law enforcement. The global implications of how this case is handled are significant, potentially affecting not only the tech industry but also the privacy rights of individuals worldwide.”

[dfwgator]

The Iron Curtain is now across the world.

[dfwgator]

France almost went Soviet after WWII, the Communists were very popular, and were purging their opponents, accusing them of being Nazi Collaborators, before DeGaulle put a stop to it, just in time.