What will happen to Telegram after Durov’s arrest: Possible scenarios

The arrest of Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, had a wide response not only in the crypto industry, but in society at large.  It is obviously a landmark event that can significantly affect both the platform itself and millions of its users around the world. After all, Telegram today is not just a popular messenger app, but a multifunctional ecosystem with a huge number of channels, chats, bots, and business solutions. Therefore, possible implications of Durov’s arrest on Telegram are keenly discussed by both the expert community and the user community. The key scenarios are explored in this material.

Telegram is known for its commitment to providing protection of user data. The messenger uses secure encryption algorithms, such as MTProto, to provide high levels of security of messages and make them virtually unhackable and inaccessible for reading to third parties, including governments. As a result, the platform has become a kind of virtual refuge for people who seek to protect their privacy and avoid surveillance, as well as for those living in countries with strict censorship where privacy violations are possible. In general, encryption in Telegram deserves a separate note, and we will definitely explore it in more detail in our next article.

However, these seemingly good causes of Telegram have ultimately led to Durov being arrested and facing some serious charges. It is this encryption system that has been the reason of constant pressure on Telegram from various governments. Many of them require the messenger to provide access to correspondence of users, which is contrary to the main principles of Durov and Co. Telegram has always denied access to such “back-door entrances” and advocated against censorship and surveillance.

By far not every large platform can boast such a high level of protection, while it is extremely important for crypto services of any kind and size to ensure security of their data and architectures. Experts of SEVEN SENSES will develop and implement a comprehensive security solution for your company and conduct pentesting of your information systems and networks. Contact us and we will give you details of every service we offer and determine which one is suitable to meet your specific needs.

Experts in different fields express their opinions regarding the future of Telegram after the arrest of Pavel Durov. Some of the key points of view are listed below.

1. Technical stability of the platform

Cybersecurity experts believe that Telegram is unlikely to stop operating, even if its founder finds himself behind the bars. This is due to the decentralized structure of the company and the fact that Durov has prepared the platform for possible force majeure in advance. Telegram is not a one-man company. The service is designed in such a way that it can continue functioning even if the key personalities lose the ability to control it.  Therefore, closing Telegram after Durov’s arrest is not at issue here.

2. Possible change in privacy policies

Digital rights experts note that Durov’s arrest can mark the beginning of pressure on Telegram from authorities who will require to weaken encryption and give them access to user data. This can give rise to serious privacy concerns. Internet rights experts believe that without Durov the platform may become more pliant to demands from governments and relax its privacy policies.

3. Risks for users

Many experts anticipate that users may begin to harbor doubts about reliability and security of the platform, from asking whether Telegram will be blocked after Durov’s arrest to being uncertain about the privacy of their data. Digital product analysts say that if Telegram begins to make concessions to the authorities and weaken its encryption standards, its audience may begin to leave for other services en masse.

4. Business and legal burdens

Some analysts believe that Telegram may face serious financial and legal problems. This is both due to the possible strengthening of sanctions and blocking and the need for defense in international litigations involving the company. Durov’s arrest can trigger an avalanche of lawsuits and financial claims against Telegram. The authorities and competitors can take advantage of the difficult circumstances of the platform leader’s to discredit and weaken it.

5. Positive scenarios

Regardless of rather dire predictions in general, some experts believe that Telegram will be able to safely survive the current crisis, because the platform is stable enough to successfully cope with Durov’s absence. His team will most probably continue to implement the strategic goals of the project, including the introduction of the Toncoin cryptocurrency. Simply put, the arrest of a single person, even such a significant one, is unlikely to destroy the ecosystem as a whole.

These are the key assumptions on possible implications of Durov’s arrest on Telegram. In general, expert opinions regarding the future of the platform differ. Some see the current situation as a threat to privacy and security of data, while others believe that Telegram is stable enough to be able to continue without its founder. The main question is how the ecosystem will respond to the increased pressure from governments and whether it will be able to stick to its key principles of security and freedom of speech. And if you want to test, provide or strengthen security of your business and assets, we are always ready for your call.