Telegram Hits 1 Billion Users as CEO Mocks WhatsApp

Messaging platform Telegram has officially surpassed 1 billion monthly active users, according to its founder and CEO Pavel Durov — marking a major milestone for the app known for its privacy-first approach and fiercely independent stance.

The announcement, made on Durov’s personal Telegram channel, was more than just a victory lap. In true Durov fashion, it came with a sharp jab at his biggest competitor: Meta-owned WhatsApp.

“Ahead of us stands WhatsApp — a cheap, watered-down imitation of Telegram,” Durov wrote. “For years, they’ve desperately tried to copy our innovations while burning billions on lobbying and PR campaigns to slow us down. They failed.”

Durov also revealed that Telegram turned a $547 million profit in 2024, underscoring the platform’s success without relying on major corporate ownership or aggressive monetization models.

A Return Home After Legal Drama

Durov’s celebratory post comes just days after he was granted permission to leave France, where he had been held since August 2024 after landing in Paris on a private jet. French authorities had charged the CEO with several offenses, including alleged complicity in the distribution of child sexual abuse material and drug trafficking via Telegram. He was released on $5.6 million bail.

Durov has denied all allegations, calling the charges a “misguided approach” to platform responsibility and emphasizing that holding executives personally liable for user-generated content sets a dangerous precedent.

“The process is ongoing but it feels great to be home,” Durov said in a follow-up post after returning to Dubai, where Telegram is headquartered.

Policy Changes Amid Scrutiny

Following the controversy, Telegram has taken noticeable steps to increase transparency and cooperate with authorities. In late 2024, the company:

• Joined the Internet Watch Foundation to aid in the identification and removal of harmful content
• Began publishing transparency reports detailing content moderation actions
• Announced a policy to share IP addresses and phone numbers of offenders with law enforcement when legally required

These changes mark a shift for a platform long celebrated for its hands-off moderation and commitment to privacy — but they also reflect the growing pressure on global tech firms to balance freedom with accountability.

Telegram's Rise in a Crowded Market

Founded in 2013 by Pavel and Nikolai Durov, Telegram has carved out a loyal global user base thanks to features like secret chats, channel broadcasting, and encrypted video calls. Its rapid growth has been fueled by users in regions where speech is restricted, as well as by those seeking alternatives to Big Tech platforms.

While WhatsApp still leads with over 2 billion monthly active users, Telegram’s continued growth, profitability, and independence make it one of the few major players to challenge Meta’s dominance in the messaging space.

With legal troubles still looming and a user base larger than ever, Telegram’s future may be more scrutinized — but also more influential — than ever before.