Crypto Communication Devices: A Gov’t Surveillance Breakthrough

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram Messenger, a popular encrypted messaging app, believes that the increasing government surveillance will lead to the development of secure communication devices inspired by cryptocurrency hardware wallets. In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Durov discussed how governments are becoming less tolerant of privacy and exerting more technological power to suppress the private exchange of information. He suggested that hardware devices dedicated to secure communications, similar to hardware wallets used to store cryptocurrencies, will emerge as a response to growing oversight.

Durov revealed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States had attempted to convince Telegram affiliates to install backdoors for surveillance purposes. He emphasized the importance of geopolitical neutrality in order to protect privacy and anti-surveillance efforts, citing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as an ideal location for initiatives fighting for these causes. According to Durov, the UAE’s small size and neutral stance on geopolitical issues make it conducive to maintaining users’ privacy and freedom of speech.

When discussing company ownership, Durov mentioned his avoidance of venture capital (VC) investments to maintain full control over Telegram’s operations. He disclosed that he holds both fiat and Bitcoin, which allows him to independently fund his projects and companies while retaining 100% ownership. He acknowledged that he had raised funds for previous ventures, including a cryptocurrency project.

Durov’s concerns about increasing government surveillance were echoed by American whistleblower Edward Snowden, who warned that the United States National Security Agency (NSA) is on the verge of expanding its surveillance powers and potentially “taking over the internet.” Elizabeth Goitein, co-director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, further highlighted the potential expansion of the U.S. government’s surveillance capabilities through changes to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) 702 bill. By altering the definition of “electronic communications surveillance provider,” the government could require almost every company and individual providing internet-related services to assist with NSA surveillance.

Pavel Durov anticipates the development of secure communication devices similar to cryptocurrency hardware wallets as a response to increasing government surveillance. He emphasized the importance of geopolitical neutrality, highlighting the United Arab Emirates as an ideal location for initiatives defending privacy and freedom of speech. Durov also discussed his preference for maintaining full ownership of Telegram by avoiding VC investments. The concerns raised by Durov regarding government surveillance were supported by Edward Snowden, who warned of the NSA’s potential expansion of surveillance powers, as well as Elizabeth Goitein, who pointed out the broadening scope of the U.S. government’s surveillance capabilities through changes to the FISA 702 bill.