Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Slams WhatsApp as ‘Giant Fraud’ Over Encryption Practices, Reignites Privacy Debate on X
Pavel Durov has criticised WhatsApp over its encryption practices, calling the platform a “giant fraud” in a post on X. Durov referenced a Texas lawsuit alleging WhatsApp employees can access private messages despite end-to-end encryption claims. The remarks intensified the Telegram-WhatsApp rivalry.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov has strongly criticised WhatsApp’s encryption, describing it as a “giant fraud” in a post on X on 23 May 2026. Durov highlighted a lawsuit filed by the state of Texas against WhatsApp, alleging that employees have access to “virtually all” private messages despite claims of end-to-end encryption. He referenced a past statement by WhatsApp’s founder about selling users’ privacy. The remarks have intensified the ongoing rivalry between Telegram and WhatsApp, with many users debating privacy standards across messaging platforms. The Texas case has drawn significant attention to how major apps handle user data and encryption promises. Durov used the opportunity to promote Telegram’s approach to privacy and security. Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Blames Russian VPN Crackdown for Major Payment System Failures.
WhatsApp Encryption Is 'Giant Fraud': Pavel Durov
WhatsApp encryption is a giant fraud.
The state of Texas just sued WhatsApp for lying to users about privacy — because WhatsApp employees have access to “virtually all” private messages.
Now we know what WhatsApp’s founder meant when he said he “sold his users’ privacy.”
— Pavel Durov (@durov) May 23, 2026
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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 23, 2026 07:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
