Kathrine Frich
Elon Musk is taking his AI ambitions to new heights through a major partnership with Telegram.
The $300 million deal is set to reshape how millions interact with artificial intelligence.
A Billion-Dollar Bond: Telegram and xAI Unite
On Wednesday, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov announced a one-year deal with Musk’s xAI.
The agreement not only boosts Telegram’s financial strength but also marks one of the most high-profile integrations of an AI chatbot into a global messaging platform.
Grok Comes to Telegram
As part of the agreement, Telegram will integrate Grok, xAI’s flagship AI assistant, directly into its app.
Starting this summer, Telegram users will get access to what Durov called “the best AI technology on the market.”
A $300 Million Injection
Beyond the initial $300 million payment, Telegram will also receive 50% of all subscription revenue generated by xAI’s services on the platform.
It’s a financial windfall that could help Telegram stay competitive in an increasingly crowded tech space.
Telegram Crosses 1 Billion Users
Telegram now boasts over 1 billion monthly active users, placing it in the upper echelons of global social platforms.
With AI on board, it may soon attract even more engagement and scrutiny.
Who Is Pavel Durov?
Durov, a Russian-born tech entrepreneur with French and UAE citizenship, founded Telegram after leaving Russia in 2014.
He’s known for his libertarian values and fierce commitment to user privacy.
Legal Troubles in France
Despite his global influence, Durov is currently under investigation in France.
Authorities accuse Telegram of failing to act against illegal activity on the platform, including drug sales and child exploitation.
Durov denies wrongdoing and insists the app complies with EU law.
Musk and AI Controversy
Elon Musk’s Grok AI has also come under fire. It faced backlash for producing problematic responses on sensitive topics.
xAI has since blamed the issues on unauthorized modifications and pledged to tighten oversight.
Strategic Timing for Musk
The Telegram deal comes just months after Musk merged xAI with his social network X (formerly Twitter), valuing the AI company at $80 billion.
This partnership could significantly expand Grok’s reach beyond the X ecosystem.