Telegram is among the most popular messaging apps on the planet, noted for its speed, security, and privacy-focused features. It was created instead of mainstream messaging platforms, offering encrypted communication and cloud-based storage.
who created telegram
The Founders: Pavel and Nikolai Durov
Telegram was founded by Pavel Durov with his fantastic brother Nikolai Durov in 2013. The Durov brothers, originally from Russia, had previously founded VK (VKontakte), Russia’s largest social media platform.
Pavel Durov: The visionary behind Telegram, Pavel can be an entrepreneur and programmer. He centered on the app’s design, user experience, and business strategy.
Nikolai Durov: A skilled mathematician and programmer, Nikolai developed the MTProto protocol, which ensures Telegram’s fast and secure communication.
Why Was Telegram Created?
After conflicts using the Russian government over censorship on VK, Pavel Durov left Russia in 2014. He planned to create a messaging platform that has been independent of government control and prioritizes user privacy. Telegram was made to provide:
End-to-end encryption web hosting chats
Cloud-based storage for messages and media
Speed and reliability with minimal data usage
Cross-platform compatibility (available on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and web)
Growth and Popularity
Since its launch in August 2013, Telegram is growing rapidly:
By 2014, it had over 35 million users.
By 2021, it surpassed 500 million active users.
In 2022, it became just about the most downloaded apps globally.
Telegram gained popularity due to its privacy-first approach, particularly in countries with government censorship. It also introduced features like channels, bots, supergroups, and self-destructing messages, making it a versatile platform for communication.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite its success, Telegram has faced scrutiny:
Privacy Concerns: While it offers encrypted chats, some experts criticize its encryption model, as default chats are certainly not end-to-end encrypted.
Government Bans: Some countries, including Russia, Iran, and China, have attempted to block Telegram due to concerns over unregulated communication.
Misinformation & Illegal Content: Telegram’s open nature has made it a platform for misinformation, piracy, as well as other illicit activities.
Current Status
Today, Telegram is constantly on the expand its features, offering premium subscriptions, improved security, as well as a growing ecosystem of channels, groups, and bots. Despite challenges, it remains a top alternative to WhatsApp, Signal, as well as other messaging apps.
Telegram was made by Pavel and Nikolai Durov being a secure and independent messaging platform. Its focus on privacy, speed, and innovation has caused it to be one of the top messaging apps worldwide. As it evolves, Telegram remains a robust tool free of charge and open communication.