Telegram chief executive Pavel Durov has spent the past decade positioning his messaging app as a politically-neutral safe space away from government interference.

“In some markets, Telegram is one of the few remaining free platforms where people can express themselves,” Durov said in a rare interview with the Financial Times earlier this year, his first in seven years, boasting of its use by protesters, human rights advocates and refugees.

He appeared sanguine, however, over the rise of legislation worldwide targeting the power of tech companies, as well as growing concerns about the spread of harmful content online. “We are confident that we can adapt,” said Durov. “We don’t expect any significant challenges going forward.”