Telegram has always been a bit of an enigma—a messaging app for some, a digital refuge for privacy-conscious users, and, for others, a dark web substitute hiding in plain sight. While its founders built the app to stand against the prying eyes of governments and corporations, its rise also brought along a darker undercurrent, Is Telegram The Next Dark Web?
Once viewed as the epitome of digital privacy, the telegram has found itself at the center of global controversy yet again. What was once viewed as a go-to app for secure messaging and content sharing has morphed into a platform associated with numerous illegal activities, from drug sales to cybercrime services. With the recent arrest of Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, in France, many are wondering: Is this the beginning of the end for the platform, or simply another chapter in its complex evolution?
Back in August 2024, Pavel Durov, the mastermind, CEO and co-founder behind Telegram, was arrested in France and hit with some heavy accusations. Charged with money laundering, facilitating drug trafficking and child exploitation, it was quite the dramatic turn for a man who, just a decade ago, was hailed as the tech world’s privacy hero. The French authorities claim they’ve been keeping tabs on Telegram’s darker side for a while, and now, Durov is facing the music.
The arrest has predictably kicked up a storm of opinions. On one side, privacy advocates and die-hard Telegram users see this as a politically motivated move to stifle the platform. After all, Telegram has always been about standing up to censorship. The app famously refused to bow down to Russian pressure to share user data, a stance that earned Durov both fans and enemies. On the other hand, many believe this was long overdue, as Telegram’s lax policies had turned it into a playground for criminal activity. The balance between privacy and protection was always going to be a tricky one, and it seems Telegram may have finally tipped too far. But then again, Telegram’s design has always focused on privacy, offering end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and encrypted chats that law enforcement struggles to penetrate which while were a blessing to many, criminals too exploited these features.
For those who’ve been using Telegram for a while, you’ll know just how versatile the platform is. Need a group chat for your friends? Done. Want to follow the latest news? Easy. But what if you’re in the market for something less… savory? Well, Telegram’s encrypted messaging, coupled with its user-friendly interface, has quietly made it a hub for underground deals. Drug sales, stolen data, hacking services—you name it, it’s probably being sold on some Telegram channel.
Where Telegram diverges from the traditional dark web is its accessibility. There’s no need to download specialized software like Tor or mess around with VPNs. Telegram is just an app, available in both app stores. It’s easy to use and, until now, hasn’t been bogged down with the same level of law enforcement scrutiny as its dark web counterparts. And for those conducting illegal activity, the anonymity of cryptocurrency, especially Telegram’s own Toncoin, adds an extra layer of protection.
But herein lies the problem. Telegram’s very structure—the encryption, the privacy focus, the global accessibility—has created a situation where it’s almost impossible to regulate content effectively. Users can set up channels in minutes, conduct transactions in cryptocurrencies, and quickly delete any trace of their conversations. It’s not hard to see why Telegram has become the tool of choice for those wanting to operate outside the law.
Pavel Durov’s arrest wasn’t just a shock to his loyal followers—it also thrust Telegram into an international spotlight. The French government has taken a hard stance, with officials arguing that the platform’s loose oversight on illegal activities has made Durov complicit. While his legal team denies all charges, the arrest feels like a pivotal moment for the company.
Up until now, Telegram has been able to avoid the level of legal scrutiny that platforms like Facebook and Twitter regularly face. But Durov’s arrest may force the app to rethink its future. With its founder potentially facing a long legal battle in France, there are whispers of how the company will proceed. Will it stick to its guns, maintaining that user privacy is paramount? Or will it be forced to introduce tighter content moderation to avoid further legal challenges?
One thing’s for sure: Durov’s incarceration could lead to some big changes within the company. Telegram might need to reconsider how far it’s willing to push its privacy agenda before governments around the world begin blocking the platform altogether. There’s also the looming question of whether Telegram will fall into the hands of new leadership and what direction that might take.
But what does this mean for Telegram’s users? Despite the dark cloud hanging over Telegram, it’s still a massively popular platform with over 700 million active users. Most people using it aren’t buying illegal goods or hacking services—they’re simply there for the convenience of an encrypted messaging app. But Durov’s arrest and the ongoing investigation into Telegram’s activities may affect users in more ways than they realize.
For one, governments may pressure Telegram into complying with stricter regulations, especially when it comes to moderating content. This could impact everything from how public channels are run to how encrypted chats are handled. It may also lead to changes in Telegram’s monetization strategies. Previously, Durov had been leaning heavily into the Toncoin cryptocurrency and blockchain technology as a way to create sustainable income without turning to ads. With Durov out of the picture, will this vision continue, or will the company pivot toward a more conventional monetization model?
To say the least, Telegram’s journey from a privacy-focused messaging app to a global platform accused of harbouring illegal activities has been a rollercoaster. Pavel Durov’s arrest in France is likely just the beginning of a long saga that could shape Telegram’s future for the foreseeable span and while the platform currently remains operational, questions are mounting about whether it can maintain its commitment to privacy without crossing the legal boundaries.
