Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov announced preliminary terms for a potential collaboration with xAI, Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence firm. The arrangement seeks to deploy xAI’s Grok chatbot across Telegram’s user base, which exceeds one billion accounts worldwide. According to Durov, Telegram would receive 300 million USD—via a mix of cash and xAI equity—as well as an agreement to split AI subscription revenues generated within the platform.

Pavel Durov, the visionary behind the popular messaging platform Telegram, made headlines by openly rejecting a sensitive request from the head of French intelligence. As Romania prepared for a highly contested presidential election, Durov disclosed that he refused to censor conservative voices from Romania—a move that underscores Telegram’s stance on preserving freedom of expression even amid geopolitical pressures. This incident highlights the complex intersection of digital platforms, political influence, and international intelligence agencies in modern democracies.