Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, is a prominent figure known for his strong stance on privacy and freedom of expression. After founding VKontakte (VK), Russia's largest social network, Durov faced increasing pressure from the Russian government to provide user data, which he refused. This defiance led to his departure from Russia in 2014 and the subsequent sale of his stake in VK. He then channeled his efforts into Telegram, which launched in 2013, focusing on secure, encrypted communication.

Durov's commitment to privacy has not been without personal challenges. In 2018, he was briefly detained in France during a routine identity check. The incident, though quickly resolved, drew media attention and highlighted his ongoing struggles with authorities.

Recently, in August 2024, Durov faced another arrest, this time also in France, under unclear circumstances. While details are still emerging, this incident underscores the ongoing friction between Durov's advocacy for digital privacy and government scrutiny.

Despite these challenges, Telegram has continued to grow, now boasting over 700 million users worldwide. Durov remains dedicated to advancing the platform's mission of providing a secure and uncensored communication space, with ongoing projects like the blockchain-based TON (The Open Network).