In a rare interview with Tucker Carlson, Telegram founder Pavel Durov discussed several pivotal experiences that have shaped his approach to privacy, security, and the operations of his company.�
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🧑�💻 FBI Pressure and Surveillance Concerns
Durov revealed that during his time in the U.S., he and his team were subjected to significant attention from federal authorities. He recounted an incident where U.S. cybersecurity officers attempted to covertly recruit one of Telegram's engineers. Additionally, he mentioned being harassed at airports and having agents visit his residence to inquire about Telegram's operations. These experiences contributed to his decision to base Telegram outside the United States, seeking jurisdictions with stronger privacy protections. �
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🥷 Mugging Incident in San Francisco
Durov shared a personal account of being assaulted in San Francisco after a meeting with Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey. While walking back to his hotel around 8:00 PM, he was attacked by three individuals attempting to steal his phone. Although he managed to escape unharmed, the incident, combined with concerns over U.S. surveillance, led him to abandon plans for establishing Telegram's headquarters in Silicon Valley. �
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🤝 Views on Elon Musk
In the interview, Durov expressed admiration for Elon Musk, particularly highlighting Musk's commitment to free speech and his efforts to challenge censorship. Durov's own experiences with governmental pressures have made him appreciative of figures who advocate for digital freedom.�

For a more in-depth understanding of Durov's perspectives and experiences, you can watch the full interview below: