Pavel Durov, the mastermind behind the popular encrypted messaging app Telegram Messenger, has made a bold prediction about the future of secure communication. In an interview with Tucker Carlson on April 17, Durov shared his belief that the increasing government surveillance will give rise to innovative hardware devices specifically designed for secure communications, much like the hardware wallets that are used to safeguard cryptocurrencies.
Durov’s prediction stems from his personal experiences with government interference in private information exchange. He revealed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States tried to convince Telegram affiliates to install backdoors for surveillance purposes. This incident, along with other instances of government oversight, has led Durov to anticipate the need for dedicated hardware devices to ensure privacy and counter surveillance.
Durov also highlighted the significance of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the fight for privacy and anti-surveillance. He emphasized the country’s geopolitical neutrality as an ideal environment for entrepreneurs who value privacy.
When it comes to the ownership of his company, Durov is adamant about avoiding venture capital investments in order to maintain full control over Telegram’s operations. He disclosed that he possesses “a few hundred million dollars” in fiat and Bitcoin, which allows him to independently finance his projects and maintain complete ownership.
While Durov has mostly steered clear of external funding, he did acknowledge raising funds for a previous cryptocurrency venture.
Edward Snowden, the renowned American whistleblower, echoed Durov’s concerns about the growing threat of government surveillance. On April 16, Snowden issued a warning about the National Security Agency (NSA) in the United States, stating that the agency 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 harmless change to the definition of “electronic communications surveillance provider” in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) 702 bill could grant the U.S. government unprecedented surveillance authority. This change could potentially require any individual or company providing internet-related services to aid in NSA surveillance.
In conclusion, Durov’s prediction and Snowden’s warning serve as reminders of the increasing threat of government surveillance. As technology advances and privacy becomes more elusive, it is crucial to explore innovative solutions, such as secure hardware devices, to protect personal information from prying eyes.