Telegram founder Pavel Durov has issued a stark warning about the future of the internet, stating that "we're running out of time to save the free internet". In a recent statement, Durov highlighted what he sees as increasingly "dystopian measures" being implemented by governments worldwide, including in countries once considered strongholds of freedom.
Durov, known for his advocacy of individual freedoms and privacy, pointed to specific examples such as digital IDs in the UK, online age checks in Australia, and the EU's proposals for mass scanning of private messages, as indicators of a dangerous trend. He argues that these measures risk transforming the internet into "the ultimate tool of control". Durov also noted Germany's prosecution of individuals criticizing officials online and the UK's imprisonment of people for their social media posts. He further stated that France is criminally investigating tech leaders who defend freedom and privacy.
Durov's concerns come amidst growing global debate about the balance between online freedom, security, and regulation. His platform, Telegram, has often been at the center of this debate due to its strong encryption and relatively hands-off approach to content moderation. While lauded by some as a haven for free speech, it has also faced criticism for allegedly allowing the spread of illegal and harmful content.
In August 2024, Durov was arrested in France for what authorities cited as Telegram's lack of cooperation with law enforcement and alleged complicity in enabling illegal activities. Following his release, Durov announced new platform features and the phasing out of some older ones, including the "People Nearby" feature, which had been misused by bots and scammers. He also stated Telegram's commitment to improving content moderation, aiming to transform it "from an area of criticism into one of praise".
Durov's views on internet freedom often place him at odds with both governments and big tech companies. In the past, he has suggested that corporations like Google and Apple, rather than governments, are the primary threats to free speech online. Durov has also criticized Meta-owned Whatsapp as "a cheap, watered-down imitation of Telegram" and accused the competitor of using lobbying and PR campaigns to slow down Telegram.
Durov's personal history is intertwined with his commitment to internet freedom. He left Russia in 2014 after facing pressure to censor his previous social network, VKontakte (VK). Since then, he has built Telegram into a global messaging platform with nearly a billion users, headquartered in Dubai. As of July 2025, Forbes estimated Durov's net worth at $17.1 billion.
While Durov champions free speech, critics argue that Telegram's lack of content moderation enables the spread of harmful content, including child sexual abuse material, drug trafficking, and terrorist propaganda. Concerns have also been raised about Telegram's use by political dissidents and terrorist groups. These criticisms highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing freedom of expression with the need to protect users from illegal and dangerous content.
Durov's recent warning underscores the urgency he feels about the current trajectory of the internet. As governments around the world grapple with issues of online security and regulation, the debate over internet freedom is likely to intensify. Durov's stance, and the choices he makes for Telegram, will continue to be a significant part of this global conversation.
