Telegram, the popular messaging app, has reached a significant milestone, surpassing 1 billion active users, according to its founder Pavel Durov. This marks a substantial increase from the 950 million monthly active users reported last year. Durov made the announcement, also revealing that the company registered $547 million in profits last year, a figure he had previously disclosed without providing exact numbers.

The Telegram founder, who recently returned to Dubai after being cleared of allegations in France, took the opportunity to take a jab at Meta-owned rival WhatsApp. In an update on his channel, Durov called WhatsApp a "cheap, watered-down imitation" of Telegram, accusing the company of attempting to copy Telegram's innovations while spending billions on lobbying and PR campaigns to slow Telegram down. Durov asserted that WhatsApp's efforts had failed, and Telegram had not only grown but also retained its independence.

Durov's comments come on the heels of his recent legal troubles in France, where he was under investigation for alleged criminal activities, including facilitating organized fraud, illegal transactions, and the sharing of CSAM (child sexual abuse material) on Telegram. He was detained for several days in August before being cleared of all charges.

In the messaging app landscape, WhatsApp remains the dominant player outside of China, with over 2 billion monthly active users. Both Telegram and WhatsApp are vying for the attention of businesses and creators, offering features such as business accounts and channels to attract this demographic.

Telegram has also been appealing to crypto enthusiasts by integrating the TON blockchain, wallets, and decentralized app ecosystem. This integration enables features like unlocking content, tipping creators, and in-app purchases for mini-apps and games. Additionally, the company rolled out a decentralized verification system in January, leveraging a network of third-party accounts.

The growth of Telegram and its increasing popularity among users and businesses alike raises questions about the future of messaging apps and the role they will play in shaping online communication. As the competition between Telegram and WhatsApp continues to heat up, it will be interesting to see how these platforms evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of their users.

In conclusion, Telegram's milestone of reaching 1 billion active users is a significant achievement, and Durov's comments about WhatsApp highlight the intense competition in the messaging app space. As these platforms continue to grow and innovate, it will be crucial to monitor their impact on the tech industry and beyond.