Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, recently shared an unconventional Christmas message with his followers, albeit with a significant delay. The post, made on the social media platform X nearly two weeks after Christmas, has ignited a flurry of mixed reactions from users worldwide.
A Message for Modern Times: The 'Less' Philosophy
In his distinctive style, Durov extended festive greetings with a twist. "This year, I wish you less — less information, less food, less entertainment, less communication, less stimulation," he wrote. The tech billionaire elaborated that an excess of these modern comforts often obstructs personal serenity, health, quality sleep, and creative thinking. He concluded his thought with a simple "Merry Christmas!"
The timing of the message, however, became a talking point in itself. Users on X were quick to note the delay. One user questioned, "Merry Christmas in January??", while another asked, "Isn't it too late to say Merry Christmas?". A third comment humorously speculated, "Is your scheduled send running 2 weeks late?". Some users, however, agreed with the sentiment behind the message, with one summarizing it as: "TLDR: may you be less of a dopamine junkie!".
Durov's Broader Critique: Privacy and Personal Ventures
This was not Durov's only notable post recently. In a separate comment, he took aim at regulatory developments in the European Union. Responding to news about the enforcement of DAC8—the eighth amendment to the EU's Directive on Administrative Cooperation that mandates reporting for crypto-asset transactions—Durov voiced strong criticism.
"The war against privacy never stops in the EU," he stated sarcastically. "It’s all for their own good, of course. Who knows what those sneaky Europeans can be up to without more surveillance?" This remark underscores his long-standing advocacy for digital privacy and encryption, core principles of the Telegram platform.
In other personal news, a report by the Wall Street Journal highlighted another unconventional aspect of Durov's life. The 41-year-old entrepreneur has reportedly offered to cover IVF treatments for women who use his donated sperm. He has also promised that any resulting children would receive an equal share of his estimated $17 billion fortune, provided a DNA link is established.
Durov, who was born in Russia, revealed in July 2024 that he has fathered over 100 biological children across at least 12 countries through sperm donations. He began donating around 2010, initially to assist a friend before moving to anonymous donations at a fertility clinic in Moscow.
Public Reaction and Lasting Impact
The combination of Durov's late festive philosophy, his sharp critique of EU policy, and the revelations about his personal life paints a picture of a tech leader who consistently defies convention. While his Christmas message championed digital and personal minimalism, his actions and other statements continue to keep him firmly in the public eye, sparking debates on technology, privacy, and modern lifestyles.
His direct communication style on social media ensures that his views on everything from platform policy to personal freedom reach millions, cementing his role as one of the most outspoken and controversial figures in the global tech industry.
