Telegram founder responds to criticism: "My mother is from Ukraine, I left Russia to better defend privacy"

Telegram founder Pavel Durov responded early on the 8th to concerns from the public about the possibility of Telegram leaking Ukrainian user communication data to the Russian government.

One of the Biggest Critics: Founder of Competitor Signal

Signal's founder, Moxie Marlinspike, who also focuses on privacy communication, criticized Telegram for its "false privacy" at the end of 2021. He argued that Telegram still has the ability to access users' private conversations and data.

On February 25th this year, Moxie Marlinspike once again stated that Telegram is the most popular communication software in urban areas of Ukraine. After years of marketing, most people believe it is an encrypted software. However, in reality, users' messages, photos, and videos are stored in cloud databases. He mentioned that many Telegram employees have families in Russia, and if Russia does not want to obtain information through hacking, they can use the security of Telegram employees' families.

Telegram Founder: Mother is from Ukraine, Never Compromised on User Privacy

Durov stated that his mother's family is from Kyiv, Ukraine, with many Ukrainian relatives. Nine years ago, when he was the CEO of the largest social network VK in Russia, the government asked for Ukrainian user data. After refusing to cooperate, Durov was dismissed and forced to leave Russia.

He mentioned that even after losing his company and home, he still does not regret looking at his post during the VK period in 2014: the official document requesting Ukrainian data from Russia and a photo of a dog wearing a hat as a response.

Durov stated that even though many years have passed, he no longer lives in Russia or owns companies and employees in Russia, he has always prioritized user privacy.

Although Durov did not respond to technical criticisms or the possibility of employees being threatened, his advocacy for liberalism and attempts to improve Russia aim to demonstrate that Telegram does not engage in political work.