Pavel Durov: The Enigma Behind Telegram
Early Life and Education
Pavel Valeryevich Durov was born in Leningrad, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union, on October 10, 1984. His father, Valery Durov, was a doctor of philological sciences, and his mother, Albina Durova, was a philologist. He studied at the Academic Gymnasium of St. Petersburg State University, where he excelled in academics, particularly in mathematics and programming.
Career
After graduating from high school, Durov enrolled in the Faculty of Philology at St. Petersburg State University. However, he dropped out in 2006 to focus on his entrepreneurial ventures. In 2006, he co-founded VKontakte, a Russian social networking site, with his brother Nikolai.
In 2013, Durov left VKontakte after a series of conflicts with the Russian government over censorship and privacy issues. He then founded Telegram, a secure messaging app that has since gained immense popularity worldwide.
Exile and French Citizenship
Durov has been living in self-imposed exile since 2014 after he was forced to flee Russia following his conflict with the government. He acquired French citizenship in 2021.
Controversies
Durov has been involved in several controversies throughout his career, particularly related to privacy and security concerns regarding Telegram. He has also been accused of supporting extremist groups and spreading misinformation.
Personal Life
Durov is known for his eccentric personality and his commitment to privacy. He is a vegan and an avid traveler. He is also a strong advocate for free speech and internet freedom.
Legacy
Pavel Durov is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the tech industry. He has been credited with creating one of the most popular and secure messaging apps in the world. His commitment to privacy and free speech has also made him a controversial but respected figure.
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