Telegram Messenger, better known as Telegram, is a social media and instant messaging service. For millions of users, it is simply an everyday communication tool. For others, it is much more than that.
At the most basic level Telegram allows users to chat and share photos and files for free. It offers end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls. It also lets users post things, use cryptocurrency, have unlimited cloud storage, create groups for up to 200,000 members or start channels with an unlimited number of subscribers – and have unimagined influence.
Starting in 2022, it will offer a paid subscription version for those who want more features, such as faster downloads. The company says it can remain independent if it makes money “from our users and not from advertisers or shareholders.” It promises that private messages will remain free: “No ads, no subscription fees, forever.”
Such features and promises have made it a powerful social network across much of the world. Some critics have blamed it for recent anti-immigrant unrest across Britain. Others point to everything from disinformation campaigns targeting supporters of Ukraine to illegal activities such as drug trafficking and arms smuggling.
What makes Telegram different?
What sets Telegram apart from other apps like WhatsApp is its relentless focus on privacy and strong stance against censorship. This makes it particularly popular in places with authoritarian regimes or where people fear eavesdropping. Government opposition groups are big users.
Others use Telegram to keep their data out of the hands of Big Tech or advertisers. Some may have been banned from Twitter or Facebook and need a new option.
By early 2024, Telegram had more than 800 million active monthly users, according to figures from data analytics firm Demand Sage, a huge increase from the 300 million users it had at the start of 2021.
Demand Sage expects the number of 1 billion users to be reached by the end of the year. On its own website, Telegram states that it already has over 950 million active users.
Telegram is the most popular instant messaging app in parts of the world. India has by far the most users, followed by Russia, Indonesia, America, Brazil and Egypt. It has been Reportedly blocked in China, Iran, Cuba, Thailand and Pakistan.
Where does Telegram come from?
Telegram was founded in St. Petersburg in 2013 by Russian-born Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai. Pavel Durov is now the company’s CEO.
Before founding Telegram, the pair had founded VKontakte (VK) in 2006. This social platform was a huge success but caught the attention of the Russian authorities. Durov left Russia in 2014 to go into self-imposed exile, selling his stake in VK and taking Telegram with him.
After stints in Berlin, London and Singapore, the company’s development team is now based in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
But in the digital world, nothing lasts forever and the company threatens to leave at any time: “We are currently happy with Dubai, but are prepared to move again if local regulations change,” the company says on its website.
Why were Telegram’s CEO and co-founder arrested?
Maybe they’ll pack up sooner than expected. On August 24, the 39-year-old billionaire and CEO was arrested after his jet landed at Paris-Le Bourget airport in France.
Durov’s arrest – the first of its kind – came as a surprise to many and may be linked to a French request or a broader EU request for non-compliance. Details were not provided, but most reports point to the company’s lack of content moderation and lack of cooperation with law enforcement.
A statement from the company on Telegram on Sunday seems to support this:
“Telegram complies with EU laws… its moderation is in line with industry standards and is constantly improving.” It added that its CEO has nothing to hide and is often in Europe. “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner is responsible for the misuse of that platform.”
When it comes to moderation or deletion, Telegram’s policy is quite simple as it only applies to publicly available content. All chats are private among participants and the company does not process requests related to this.
What’s next for Telegram?
All of this critical eye is probably unwelcome – at least for now. By paying attention to Telegram, you are also drawing attention to its much-vaunted security promise.
Experts point out that Telegram messages are not automatically end-to-end encrypted; users must choose this option. The app also uses its own encryption tools and does not allow them to be tested by outside parties. If the privacy protocols turn out to be flawed, the news could destroy the company’s biggest selling point.
In addition to disrupting Telegram’s day-to-day operations, Durov’s arrest is also likely to unsettle users, who may wonder what the company is revealing to get out of jail.
More broadly, by opposing Telegram, governments are driving a discussion about free speech, censorship, free information and the control of global digital platforms.
By holding a company founder accountable, authorities are trying to better control illegal activities and curb, for example, conspiracy theories, extremism and the recruitment of terrorists on the Internet.
With so much to lose, Telegram will likely pull out all the stops to avoid further regulation. As the company makes clear, it is ready to act at any time. But where can it hide?
Editor: Uwe Hessler
