Pavel Durov Fathers Over 100 Children

Pavel Durov, the founder of the messaging platform Telegram, has been the subject of media attention since his detention at a private airport near Paris on Saturday

The arrest is purportedly related to an investigation into criminal activity on the app.

Although numerous stories have since centered on the notion of free expression (i.e., should the events that transpire on Telegram remain on Telegram?), others have emphasized Durov and his anti-establishment nature.

There is one particular anecdote that stands out: Durov’s assertion on Telegram in late July that he has fathered over 100 biological children after donating sperm at a clinic 15 years ago to assist a friend in having a child.

He said he subsequently donated an additional amount after the clinic proprietor informed him it was his civic obligation.

In the same post, Durov stated that he intends to “open-source” his DNA to facilitate the identification of these offspring and prevent accidental marriages.