In a rare public statement, Telegram founder Pavel Durov has defended his messaging app, marking his first public comments since his arrest in 2017. Durov, known for his enigmatic persona, took to his official Telegram channel to address recent concerns surrounding the app’s security and privacy.

His statement came in response to a wave of criticism sparked by the recent arrest of a suspected terrorist in Germany, who allegedly used Telegram to communicate. This incident led to calls for increased government oversight of the platform, with concerns about its potential misuse for criminal activities.

Durov unequivocally refuted these accusations, stating that Telegram is not a tool for terrorists, but rather a secure platform for private communication. He emphasized the app’s end-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the sender and receiver can access messages, making them inaccessible to even Telegram itself.

Durov also pointed out that Telegram’s open source code allows independent audits and verification of its security features, further reinforcing its commitment to user privacy. He concluded by urging users to “be responsible” and use the platform for its intended purpose: secure and private communication.

Durov’s public defense of Telegram comes at a crucial time for the app, which has faced increased scrutiny from governments worldwide. His statement, while brief, serves as a clear indication of his commitment to defending the app’s principles of privacy and security. Whether this will appease critics remains to be seen, but it certainly highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the balance between user privacy and national security in the digital age.