Pavel Durov: The Visionary Behind Telegram and VKontakte Introduction

In the world of technology, certain figures stand out not just for their innovations, but also for their principles and the audacity to challenge norms. Pavel Durov is one such individual. Known for his role in creating two of the most influential social platforms in the world—VKontakte and Telegram—Durov has cemented his reputation as a visionary, a rebel, and a champion of privacy. Early Life and Education Pavel Valeryevich Durov was born on October 10, 1984, in Leningrad, Soviet Union (now Saint Petersburg, Russia). Raised in an intellectual family—his father was a prominent philologist—Durov was exposed to academia and critical thinking from a young age. He attended the prestigious Academy Gymnasium in St. Petersburg and later graduated from Saint Petersburg State University, where he majored in philology. His background in linguistics and programming would later influence the platforms he created. The Birth of VKontakte In 2006, at the age of 22, Durov launched VKontakte (VK), a s...