Telegram's popularity continues to rise, boasting over 950 million active users as of July 2024, with projections to surpass 1 billion by the end of the year. Founded by Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov, the Dubai-based platform is increasingly challenging WhatsApp, which currently has over 2 billion active users.
Durov cites Telegram's rapid growth, likening it to a wildfire, and emphasizes its commitment to remaining a neutral platform amid geopolitical pressures. Despite facing demands from various governments to restrict information exchange, Durov maintains that Telegram will uphold user privacy and freedom of expression.
Telegram's encryption system is designed to protect user communications from government intervention, a stance Durov firmly supports. He has also highlighted challenges from competitors like Apple and Alphabet, which he claims can censor content and access user data.
As Telegram gains traction, it joins the ranks of leading internet platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. The app's role as a source of unfiltered information during significant events, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, has further solidified its appeal worldwide.