Telegram Founder Durov Vows to Exit Markets Over Encryption Compromise

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has reaffirmed his dedication to user privacy and encryption, stating that he would rather withdraw from a market than compromise on these principles. In a recent statement, Durov criticized outdated laws that aim to weaken encryption, asserting that such measures are not intended to protect criminals but to safeguard user privacy.

Durov's comments come at a time when governments worldwide are increasingly pressuring technology companies to provide backdoors into their encrypted systems. The debate over encryption has intensified, with law enforcement agencies arguing that strong encryption impedes their ability to investigate and prevent crimes. However, Durov insists that encryption is a fundamental right that protects all users, not just criminals.

Last month, France came close to banning encryption technology when the Senate passed a law requiring messaging applications to provide law enforcement with backdoor access to private messages. Fortunately, this law was rejected by the National Assembly. However, three days ago, the Paris police chief once again defended it. Members of the National Assembly wisely rejected this law, otherwise, France would have become the world's first country to deprive citizens of privacy rights.

This law, aimed at combating drug trafficking, has actually been of no help in fighting crime. Even if mainstream encrypted applications were weakened by backdoors, criminals could still communicate securely through dozens of smaller applications. Durov emphasized that Telegram would rather exit a market than weaken encryption with a backdoor and violate fundamental human rights. Unlike some competitors, Telegram will not sacrifice privacy for market share.

Ask Aime: What is Telegram's stance on encryption and user privacy in the face of government pressure?

In Telegram's 12-year history, not a single byte of private messages has ever been disclosed. According to the EU's Digital Services Act, if a valid court order is received, Telegram will only disclose the criminal suspect's IP address and phone number—not message content. Durov's stance on encryption is not new. Telegram has long been known for its end-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the intended recipients can read the messages. This feature has made Telegram a popular choice for users who prioritize privacy and security.

Durov's refusal to compromise on encryption has also led to conflicts with authorities in various regions, including the arrest of Telegram users linked to criminal activities. Durov's commitment to user privacy is evident in his decision to drop the 'people nearby' feature on Telegram. This feature allowed users to see other Telegram users who were in close proximity, raising concerns about privacy and security. By removing this feature, Durov has demonstrated his willingness to make tough decisions to protect user privacy.

The debate over encryption and user privacy is likely to continue, with governments and technology companies on opposing sides. Durov's stance on encryption is a reminder that user privacy is a fundamental right that should not be compromised, even in the face of pressure from authorities. As the debate continues, it is important for users to be aware of the implications of encryption and to support companies that prioritize user privacy and security.