Pavel Durov, the mastermind behind the encrypted instant messaging app Telegram Messenger, envisions a future where secure communication devices, inspired by cryptocurrency hardware wallets, become a necessity due to increasing government surveillance.
During an interview with Tucker Carlson on April 17, Durov shared his past experiences and expressed his concerns about how government entities continue to impede the private exchange of information. However, he believes that this growing oversight will spur innovations in hardware devices specifically designed for secure communications, much like the development of hardware wallets for storing cryptocurrencies.
Durov revealed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), a law enforcement agency in the United States, had attempted to convince individuals associated with Telegram to install backdoors for surveillance purposes. He emphasized the importance of geopolitical neutrality, citing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as an ideal environment for entrepreneurs striving to protect privacy and combat surveillance.
When it comes to company ownership, Durov explained that he avoids venture capital investments to maintain complete control over Telegram’s operations. He disclosed that he possesses “a few hundred million dollars” in both fiat currency and Bitcoin (BTC), allowing him to independently fund his projects and maintain 100% ownership. However, he did mention that he had raised funds for a few previous ventures, including a cryptocurrency project.
In a related development, Edward Snowden, an American whistleblower, recently warned that the United States National Security Agency (NSA) is on the verge of “taking over the internet” through an extensive expansion of its surveillance powers. Snowden’s alert followed Elizabeth Goitein’s observation that a seemingly innocuous change to the definition of “electronic communications surveillance provider” in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) 702 bill could empower the U.S. government to compel almost every internet-related service provider and individual to assist with NSA surveillance.
As concerns about government surveillance continue to escalate, the need for secure communication devices becomes increasingly apparent. Inspired by the rise of hardware wallets in the cryptocurrency world, these devices could offer individuals a safe haven for exchanging information privately.