Telegram founder Pavel Durov disclosed that despite a government ban, over 50 million Russians use the messaging platform daily. The ban on virtual private networks led to a nationwide banking failure, temporarily limiting payments to cash only. Durov shared on X that at least 50 million Russians send messages on Telegram daily, with a total of 65 million active users in the country.
He mentioned that the monthly active users could be double the reported figure. The Russian government’s efforts to ban Telegram and VPNs have caused disruptions to the banking system. Durov highlighted a similar situation in Iran, where despite the ban on Telegram, the use of VPNs has surged. In Iran, Telegram has amassed over 50 million active users, forming what Durov termed the ‘Digital Resistance.’
Durov noted that the ‘Digital Resistance’ in Iran, with over 50 million members, is supported by a similar number in Russia. The recent statements come amid escalating tensions between Durov and Russian authorities. In a previous instance, Russia initiated a criminal case against Durov on terrorism-related charges, which he denounced as a ploy to limit access to Telegram and stifle privacy and free speech.
Durov criticized Russia’s strategy of banning foreign technology platforms to boost domestic alternatives, labeling it as unrealistic. He argued that successful national super apps like WeChat and KakaoTalk were developed through healthy competition, not by eliminating competitors.
