Telegram Hits 1 Billion Users as CEO Criticizes WhatsApp

Pavel Durov announces milestone and defends Telegram's independence following legal scrutiny in France.

Telegram has surpassed 1 billion monthly active users, up from 950 million last year, according to CEO Pavel Durov.
The company reported $547 million in profits for 2024, marking a significant financial milestone.
Pavel Durov, recently allowed to leave France temporarily, criticized WhatsApp as a 'cheap, watered-down imitation' in a statement.
Durov was previously detained in France on charges related to illegal activities on Telegram but has denied responsibility for third-party misuse of the platform.
Telegram has implemented policy changes, including joining the Internet Watch Foundation and publishing transparency reports, to address regulatory concerns.