Durov says he should not be labeled an oligarch

 Telegram founder Pavel Durov said it is incorrect to describe him as an “oligarch”.

In a post on X, the entrepreneur said those who use the term in reference to him do not understand its true meaning.

“If I were close to any authorities, rather than opposing their constant attempts to restrict freedom, I would have achieved ten times more success. Everything I have achieved was despite governments, not thanks to them,” Durov wrote.

Earlier, on Feb. 5, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned about “tech oligarchs” who, he said, pose a threat to democracy through algorithms. Durov in turn criticized Spain’s moves to strengthen digital control, suggesting the country risks becoming a “total surveillance state.”