Telegram will integrate Grok, an artificial intelligence assistant developed by Elon Musk’s xAI, into its encrypted messaging platform as part of a major new partnership announced this week.
The deal, confirmed by Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov, will see Telegram’s more than one billion users gain access to Grok through the app. In return, Telegram will receive $300 million in a combination of cash and equity from xAI, along with 50% of any subscription revenue generated through the platform.
“Together, we win!” Durov said in a social media post announcing the collaboration.
The agreement is set to run for one year and marks a significant expansion for xAI, Musk’s artificial intelligence venture, as it aims to compete with industry leaders like OpenAI and Google DeepMind.
Telegram joins a growing list of messaging platforms incorporating AI into their services. Meta previously launched an AI assistant for WhatsApp, a move that drew criticism from users concerned about privacy and the changing dynamics of social interaction on the app.
Industry analyst Hanna Kahlert of Midia Research noted that while tech companies continue to pursue AI integrations, users may not be as enthusiastic.
“Users primarily still use social platforms to talk to their friends, and see their friends’ updates,” she told the BBC. “Adding AI into direct messaging inherently supplants that – it reduces trust between users and distracts from the current USP.”
The deal also links two of the tech world’s most controversial figures. Durov, a staunch advocate of digital privacy, was arrested in France last year amid allegations that Telegram had failed to prevent criminal activity on its platform. Critics have dubbed Telegram “the dark web in your pocket,” citing concerns over illicit content and inadequate moderation.
Durov has rejected those accusations and denied claims that his company failed to cooperate with law enforcement.
Meanwhile, Musk continues to expand his AI ambitions through xAI, having left OpenAI amid disagreements with CEO Sam Altman. Musk has since attempted to acquire the company and is now focused on building Grok as a major rival to ChatGPT.
In March, Musk announced that xAI had acquired X, the social media company formerly known as Twitter, in a deal that valued his AI startup at $80 billion.
The Telegram partnership is the latest step in Musk’s effort to embed xAI tools across his technology portfolio and build a broader AI ecosystem.
