Dubai Archives

AppWizard

December 23, 2024

Telegram founder says messaging app profitable for first time

Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of Telegram, announced that the platform achieved a net profit for the first time in 2024, with annual revenues exceeding one billion dollars. Telegram has over 950 million users and has shifted to a monetization model that includes paid subscriptions and advertisements since 2021, resulting in a tripling of premium service subscribers to 12 million. The company has cash reserves exceeding 0 million, excluding cryptocurrency assets. Durov faced legal issues in France related to content management but criticized the authorities' approach. Telegram is using artificial intelligence for content moderation to address misuse, while asserting that 99.999 percent of its users do not engage in criminal activities.

Tech Optimizer

September 24, 2024

New group launched to promote ‘Made in UAE’ paper, tissue products across local, international markets

A new business group called DuPAT has been established in the UAE under the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry to support the paper and tissue industry. It aims to enhance the visibility of 'Made in UAE' products and promote sustainable practices in line with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 goal. The tissue and hygiene paper market in the UAE is valued at approximately 5 million, with the kraft paper segment also significant. DuPAT will ensure compliance with GCC standards for tissue and paper products to protect consumer rights and foster fair competition. The paper and pulp industry in the Middle East and Africa is projected to exceed billion in the next six to seven years, with increasing consumer awareness driving growth in the tissue sector. The UAE's tissue and hygiene paper market is expected to grow by 1.94% from 2024 to 2029.

Winsage

August 31, 2024

10 Best Windows 11 Themes to Download for Free

Windows 11 allows users to customize their experience through themes, which are collections of images that rotate automatically. The Windows Store offers a wide variety of themes, many for free. Notable themes include: 1. Springtime Art - Features 18 images, including cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji. 2. Architectural Structures - Contains 10 minimalistic and colorful wallpapers of man-made structures. 3. Cats Everywhere - A collection of 10 wallpapers showcasing playful cats. 4. Dogs in Winter - Offers 15 wallpapers of various dog breeds in snowy settings. 5. Glorious Blue - A 15-set theme featuring various blue hues. 6. World National Parks - Includes 18 wallpapers from national parks around the world. 7. Street Views - Contains 18 colorful, 4K wallpapers of urban landscapes. 8. Rain in the City - Features images capturing rainy city scenes. 9. Xbox Series X - A gaming theme with 16 4K wallpapers celebrating the Xbox console. 10. Stunning Cityscapes - Offers 9 breathtaking views of cities like Perth and Dubai. These themes cater to different preferences, enhancing the personalization of digital environments.

AppWizard

August 31, 2024

Is Telegram Safe? Secure Messaging App Explained

Telegram is a secure messaging platform that offers end-to-end encryption for video, text, and audio messages. The app employs this encryption by default for voice and video calls and in private chats known as Secret Chats. Despite its security features, Telegram has faced scrutiny for providing user information to authorities in the past. Recently, CEO Pavel Durov was arrested in France on charges related to crimes facilitated through the platform, including drug trafficking and online scams. The arrest has raised concerns about the platform's safety, but it is noted that it will not significantly affect the app's encryption. Prominent figures have expressed support for Durov, arguing that platform owners should not be held responsible for abuses of their services. Users are advised to remain vigilant against scams by being cautious of unsolicited messages, avoiding sharing sensitive information, and maintaining a skeptical mindset.

AppWizard

August 29, 2024

Telegram CEO Durov charged with several crimes related to messaging app in France

Pavel Durov, CEO and co-founder of Telegram, faced serious charges in a French court on August 28, including complicity in the distribution of sexual images of children and drug trafficking. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccou announced sufficient grounds for a formal investigation into twelve charges against Durov, which include managing an online platform for illegal transactions, child pornography, drug trafficking, fraud, failure to provide information to authorities, money laundering, and providing cryptographic services to criminals. Durov was arrested at Le Bourget airport on August 24 and granted bail under conditions including a €5 million payment and bi-weekly police reporting. He acquired French citizenship in 2021 and reportedly resides in Dubai. France had issued arrest warrants for Durov and his brother Nikolai in March, and the investigation into Telegram began several months before the public charges. Durov has a net worth estimated at .5 billion and left Russia in 2014 after resisting government demands. Despite claiming exile, he has returned to Russia over sixty times since then. Telegram is widely used in Ukraine, with 44% of Ukrainians utilizing it for news and information according to a September 2023 poll.

AppWizard

August 29, 2024

Telegram has become a key tool for the Russian military. Why does Moscow continue to rely on a Dubai-based civilian messaging app? — Meduza

Tech billionaire Pavel Durov was recently arrested in France, prompting discussions in Russia about the Telegram messenger app's role in the Ukraine conflict. The Russian military utilizes Telegram as a communication tool, particularly for logistical discussions and establishing reconnaissance-strike networks. Russian Armed Forces maintain Telegram chats for various purposes, while Ukrainian forces often use other platforms like WhatsApp and Viber. Access to messenger apps diminishes among assault units due to limited Internet access; however, Telegram plays a crucial role in external communications linking frontline troops with pro-Kremlin correspondents. Despite its use, experts argue that Telegram is not suitable for military applications. The Russian military has sought to create a unified digital management system since the Soviet era, but delays have hindered the deployment of a military-specific messenger system.

AppWizard

August 29, 2024

Telegram CEO charged in France for ‘allowing criminal activity’ on messaging app

Pavel Durov, the head of Telegram, has been charged by the French judiciary for allegedly allowing criminal activities on the platform, including complicity in the dissemination of sexual images of minors. He was arrested at Le Bourget airport near Paris and was released on bail set at €5 million, with the condition that he reports to a police station twice a week. Durov, a 39-year-old Russian-born billionaire with French citizenship, is part of a broader investigation into Telegram's moderation practices regarding illicit content. Telegram claims compliance with EU laws and defends its moderation efforts. Durov, who resides in Dubai and holds citizenship in both France and the UAE, has faced scrutiny for Telegram's alleged use by criminal organizations, despite asserting that child abuse material and public calls for violence are "red lines." His low public profile contrasts with other tech executives, and while some Russian officials suggest his arrest may be politically motivated, French President Emmanuel Macron has denied such claims.

AppWizard

August 27, 2024

Telegram CEO arrest: What you need to know

Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, was detained at Le Bourget airport in France amid allegations related to fraud, drug trafficking, organized crime, promotion of terrorism, and cyber-bullying, with no formal charges disclosed. Telegram claims Durov has "nothing to hide" and asserts compliance with EU regulations. The Russian embassy in Paris is seeking clarification on his arrest. Support for Durov has surfaced from public figures, including Elon Musk and Vitalik Buterin. Following the news, the value of toncoin, Telegram's cryptocurrency, dropped by approximately 13%.

AppWizard

August 27, 2024

Telegram: How the app defies calls for hate censorship

Telegram Messenger is a communication platform used by over 800 million active monthly users as of early 2024. It offers free instant messaging, file sharing, and features like end-to-end encryption for calls, unlimited cloud storage, and large group capacities. In 2022, Telegram introduced a paid subscription model for enhanced features, while assuring users that private messaging will remain free of ads. Founded in 2013 by Pavel and Nikolai Durov, the company has faced scrutiny due to its limited content moderation and the recent arrest of CEO Pavel Durov on August 24, 2023, possibly related to compliance with EU regulations. Telegram is popular in countries like India, Russia, and Indonesia but faces restrictions in others. The company's encryption methods are proprietary and not independently verified, raising concerns about user privacy. Telegram's development team is currently based in Dubai, and the company is open to relocating if necessary.

AppWizard

August 27, 2024

Questions abound after CEO of mass-messaging app is arrested

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was arrested in Paris due to allegations that the platform is being used for illegal activities, including drug trafficking and the distribution of child sexual abuse images. Durov holds citizenship in multiple countries, including France and Russia, and was detained at Paris-Le Bourget Airport after arriving from Azerbaijan. Telegram stated that it complies with EU regulations and is improving its content moderation practices. Durov's arrest is linked to an outstanding warrant involving money laundering and drug trafficking, but he had not been formally charged as of Monday afternoon. French authorities extended his detention for further questioning. The Kremlin has not commented on the arrest, while Russian officials have criticized it as politically motivated. Elon Musk has shown support for Durov by advocating for his release. Telegram has faced scrutiny for its content moderation practices, with claims that it is less responsive to law enforcement compared to other messaging services. In 2022, Telegram was fined by German authorities for failing to report illegal content and faced temporary suspension in Brazil for not providing data during an investigation.