Pavel Durov, the CEO of the popular messaging platform Telegram, has found himself under intense scrutiny following his arrest in France last month. Durov faces a multitude of charges, including alleged involvement in drug trafficking, distribution of child sexual abuse material, facilitation of fraud, and illicit financial transactions. These charges stem from the platform’s end-to-end encryption, which protects user privacy but also potentially allows for illegal activities to go undetected.
Durov, a billionaire tech founder, expressed surprise at being held personally responsible for the actions of individuals using Telegram. He stated in a recent Telegram post that he was “surprised” by the charges, suggesting he believed the platform’s encryption measures should shield him from personal liability.
Adding to the public’s interest in Durov’s personal life, a recent USA Today report revealed that he has publicly claimed to have fathered over 100 children through anonymous sperm donations. He has reportedly stated that his doctor confirmed his sperm was of “high quality”. This revelation has generated significant attention, raising questions about the extent of Durov’s involvement in the lives of his biological children.
As the legal proceedings against Durov progress, the spotlight remains firmly on the CEO and the future of his platform. The charges against him and the revelation about his biological children have thrust both his personal life and his professional career into the public eye.
