Telegram recently achieved a significant milestone by reaching 1 billion monthly active users. This announcement was made by CEO Pavel Durov on his personal Telegram channel, where he also took a direct jab at its main competitor, Meta-owned WhatsApp, boasting over 2 billion monthly active users.
The Rise of Telegram
Over the years, WhatsApp has attempted to emulate Telegram's innovations while spending exorbitant amounts on lobbying and PR campaigns to impede Telegram's progress. Despite these efforts, Telegram continued to grow, turn profitable, and maintain its independence. In 2024 alone, the company reported a profit of $547 million.
Legal Troubles and Return to Dubai
Durov's criticism of his rival comes on the heels of his recent ordeal in France. In August 2024, he was detained upon arrival in Paris on his private jet. French authorities accused him of various offenses related to content on Telegram, including the distribution of illicit materials and drug trafficking. Despite these allegations, Durov has refuted the charges, labeling the accusations as surprising and misguided.
Following a bail release of $5.6 million, Durov was initially restricted from leaving France. However, the Paris prosecutor's office later granted temporary relief from these restrictions, allowing him to return home to Dubai from March 15 to April 7.
Changes in Policy and Compliance
Since the inception of Telegram in 2013 by Pavel and Nikolai Durov, the platform has been recognized for its emphasis on privacy, offering end-to-end encryption for video calls and secret chats. These features have garnered popularity in regions where freedom of speech is limited.
Post Durov's arrest, Telegram has implemented significant policy alterations. The platform has joined the Internet Watch Foundation, aiding in the identification and removal of inappropriate content. Additionally, Telegram now releases transparency reports, outlining the amount of content removed—a common practice in the industry.
In a move towards increased compliance, Telegram announced in September 2024 that it would share IP addresses and phone numbers of offenders with law enforcement when mandated by legal requirements.
Despite these developments, Telegram did not provide an immediate response to requests for comments on these matters.
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By: katherineli@insider.com (Katherine Li)
Title: Telegram Hits 1 Billion Monthly Active Users
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/telegram-celebrates-1-billion-active-users-pavel-durov-swipe-whatsapp-2025-3
Published Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2025 01:18:48 +0000
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