Telegram Messenger (better known as Telegram) is a social media and instant messaging service. For millions of users, it's simply a daily communication tool. But for others, it's much more.
At the most basic level, Telegram Users can chat, share photos and files for free, voice and video calls are provided with end-to-end encryption, and they can post, use cryptocurrency, have unlimited cloud storage, create groups of up to 200,000 members, and start channels with unlimited subscribers for immense influence.
As of 2022, the company offers paid subscriptions for users who want more features, such as faster downloads. The company says it remains independent by generating revenue “driven by users, not advertisers or shareholders.” The company promises that private messaging will be free, “without ads, with no subscription fees, forever.”
These features and promises have made Facebook a powerful social network around the world, with some critics blaming it for sparking recent anti-immigrant riots across the UK and pointing to everything from spreading disinformation targeting pro-Ukraine people to illegal activities like drug trafficking and arms smuggling.
What are Telegram's features?
What sets Telegram apart from other apps like WhatsApp is its fierce emphasis on privacy and its strong opposition to censorship, which has made it especially popular in authoritarian countries and places where people fear being eavesdropped on. Anti-government groups make up a large portion of the user base.
Others may be using Telegram to avoid their data falling into the hands of big tech companies and advertisers, or they may have been locked out of Twitter or Facebook and need a new outlet.
According to figures compiled by data analytics firm Demand Sage, Telegram had more than 800 million monthly active users as of early 2024, up from 300 million in early 2021.
Demand Sage predicts it will hit 1 billion users by the end of the year, and Telegram claims on its website that it already has over 950 million active users.
In some parts of the world, Telegram is the most popular instant messaging app, with India by far having the most users, followed by Russia, Indonesia, the United States, Brazil and Egypt. it has been It is 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 currently serves as the company's CEO.
Prior to founding Telegram, the two launched VKontakte (VK) in 2006. The social platform was a huge success but attracted the attention of Russian authorities, and Durov left Russia in 2014, selling his stake in VK in his chosen exile, taking Telegram with him.
The company's development team has worked in Berlin, London, and Singapore and is currently based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
But nothing lasts forever in the digital world, and the company cautions that it could relocate at any time: “We are currently happy in Dubai, but are ready to relocate again if local regulations change,” according to its website.
Why were Telegram's CEO and co-founder arrested?
They may be packing up sooner than they thought: On August 24, the 39-year-old billionaire CEO was arrested after the jet he was traveling on landed at Paris-Le Bourget airport in France.
The arrest of Durov was the first of its kind, and came as a surprise to many. It may be linked to a French or even EU-wide request for not complying with regulations. No details have been released, but most reports point to the company's lack of content moderation and lack of cooperation with law enforcement authorities.
The company's statement on Telegram on Sunday seemed to back this up.
“Telegram complies with EU law… Our moderation is within industry standards and we are constantly improving it,” the company said, adding that its CEO makes no secret of his frequent visits to Europe. “It is absurd to claim that the platform or its owners are responsible for any misuse of its platform.”
In fact, when it comes to moderation and removal, Telegram's policy is very simple and only deals with publicly available content: all chats are private between participants and the company does not process requests related to them.
What's next for Telegram?
Such scrutiny is likely to be unwelcome, at least for now, as the spotlight on Telegram will also focus on the company's highly touted security promises.
Experts point out that Telegram's messages are not automatically end-to-end encrypted, but rather users must opt into this option. The app also uses its own encryption tools and does not allow anyone outside to test them. If its privacy protocols prove inadequate, this news could spell the end of one of the company's biggest selling points.
Durov's arrest is not only likely to disrupt Telegram's day-to-day operations, but it could also spook users who may wonder what the company is leaking to avoid jail.
More broadly, by taking action against Telegram, the government is furthering a debate about free speech, censorship, freedom of information, and control over digital platforms globally.
By holding company founders accountable, authorities are seeking to crack down on illegal activity and slow online conspiracy theories, extremism and terrorist recruitment.
With so much to lose, Telegram is likely to do everything it can to thwart further restrictions, and as the company has made clear, it's ready to take action at any time. But where can it hide?
Editor: Uwe Hössler