Telegram Founder Suggests Crypto-Based Devices Could Evade Government Surveillance

Pavel Durov, the visionary behind the secure messaging platform Telegram, recently articulated concerns over global trends in privacy erosion, facilitated by increasing governmental intrusion.

In an interview with Tucker Carlson on April 17, Durov reflected on his experiences and observations, pointing out a relentless progression toward less privacy underpinned by governments leveraging advanced technology.

Ep. 94 The social media app Telegram has over 900 million users around the world. Its founder Pavel Durov sat down with us at his offices in Dubai for his first on-camera interview in almost a decade. pic.twitter.com/NEb3KzWOg8

— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) April 16, 2024

Durov argues that this pervasive atmosphere is likely to catalyze the development of communication devices that ensure secure exchanges of information, much like hardware wallets that safeguard cryptocurrency.

“The world is becoming less amenable. Governments are becoming less tolerant of privacy. And that’s clearly the trend because they have more technological power.” Durov noted during the interview.

The entrepreneur also highlighted past attempts by U.S. law enforcement, specifically the FBI, to infiltrate Telegram with surveillance backdoors.

Telegram Founder: “I’ve had a few hundred million dollars in my bank account or in Bitcoin since 10 years ago.” 🔥 pic.twitter.com/yipFOE9dFf

— Bitcoin Archive (@BTC_Archive) April 17, 2024

He emphasized that these pressures underscore the necessity for innovation in communication technologies that prioritize user privacy.

Choosing the United Arab Emirates as his operational base, Durov praises its geopolitical neutrality which he believes is crucial for maintaining a platform committed to privacy and freedom of speech.

“It’s a small country that wants to be friends with everybody. It’s not aligned geopolitically with any of the big superpowers. And I think it’s the best place for a neutral platform like ours to be in if we want to make sure we can defend our users’ privacy and freedom of speech.” he explained.

Durov, steering clear of venture capital to maintain control over Telegram’s operations, revealed his financial independence.

With substantial personal assets in fiat and Bitcoin, he ensures his ability to fund projects that align with his vision of privacy and user protection.

The broader context of Durov’s comments ties into warnings from American whistleblower Edward Snowden about imminent threats to internet freedom.

The NSA is just 𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗦 from taking over the internet, and it's not on the front page of any newspaper–because no one has noticed. https://t.co/qp5BimwOjI

— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) April 15, 2024

Snowden’s recent statements highlight potential expansions in U.S. surveillance capabilities that could dramatically extend the government’s reach into private digital communications.

These developments come amid legislative changes in the U.S. that could further empower the National Security Agency (NSA) to compel cooperation from virtually all entities providing internet-related services, under the guise of national security.

TELEGRAM FOUNDER: THE U.S. TRIED TO HIRE MY EMPLOYEE TO HELP THEM SPY ON USERS

Tucker:

"The US government tried to secretly hire your engineer?"

Doruv:

"That's what he told me. They wanted him to code open-source tools into the app that would serve as backdoors."

Tucker:… https://t.co/ClERJeTG7R pic.twitter.com/6WWCcmZsd3

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 17, 2024

As surveillance technologies grow more sophisticated, the dialogue around privacy, spearheaded by figures like Durov and Snowden, becomes increasingly crucial in shaping the future of digital communication and safeguarding civil liberties.

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