In a recent interview, Pavel Durov, the co-founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, disclosed that both major US political parties have attempted to influence the app’s developers.
Durov recounted receiving conflicting letters from members of both the Democratic and Republican parties, each suggesting that compliance with the other’s request would result in a violation of the US Constitution. The Democrats sought data related to what they termed ‘the uprising’, while the Republicans warned against sharing any information, framing it as a constitutional breach.
The Telegram founder also pointed out that the most significant pressure does not come from governments but rather from tech giants like Apple and Google. According to Durov, these companies have the power to censor content and have made it clear that non-compliance with their guidelines could lead to Telegram’s removal from app stores.
Durov’s statements underscore the complex dynamics between tech companies, government entities, and the ongoing debate over privacy and freedom of speech in the digital age.
