Pavel Durov Accuses WhatsApp of Stealing Features, Puts ₹2.72 Lakh Bounty for Proof
May 21, 2025 – The rivalry between Telegram and WhatsApp just reached a new level of intensity. Pavel Durov, the CEO and co-founder of Telegram, recently took to social media to blast WhatsApp, calling it a “cheap copycat.” And if that wasn’t bold enough, he’s offering a $50,000 bounty (around ₹2.72 lakh) for anyone who can prove that WhatsApp has been copying Telegram’s features. Yes, you read that right – a bounty for exposing WhatsApp. (ALSO READ: Bill Gates Joins Zerodha’s Nikhil Kamath to Reframe Success in Capitalist Ventures)
The Challenge to Expose WhatsApp’s Copycat Moves
Durov’s announcement comes amid ongoing reports suggesting that WhatsApp has been running smear campaigns against Telegram. To fight back, Telegram is encouraging people to make TikTok-style videos showing how WhatsApp has allegedly taken ideas from Telegram. The idea is to highlight the many features WhatsApp users love that were actually first introduced by Telegram.
Telegram has even given a list of 30 features it claims it pioneered before WhatsApp “borrowed” them, though Pavel Durov insists the list is just the tip of the iceberg. He says there are even more features Telegram offers that WhatsApp still doesn’t have. The contest is open to everyone, with May 26, 2025 being the deadline for submissions. Winners will be announced in June.
Why the Attack on WhatsApp?
This isn’t the first time Pavel Durov, has taken aim at WhatsApp. Back in 2022, he accused WhatsApp of having built-in backdoors that could compromise user security. He even went as far as to advise people to “stay away from WhatsApp” because of concerns over data privacy. Durov’s latest remarks are part of his ongoing campaign to draw attention to Telegram’s strengths and highlight what he believes are WhatsApp’s shortcomings.
The bounty challenge is, in part, Pavel Durov’s way of fighting back against what he sees as WhatsApp’s attempts to undermine Telegram’s reputation. It’s clear that Telegram is pushing to show users that they’re the real innovators, while WhatsApp is merely copying their ideas.
The Contest Details
For those interested in participating, the rules are simple. Telegram is asking creators to submit short videos (under 3 minutes) in English, comparing the features of Telegram and WhatsApp. And here’s the fun part – Telegram is okay with creators using AI tools to make their videos. So, whether you’re a professional video maker or just someone who wants to make a point, you’ve got a chance to win the ₹2.72 lakh bounty.