Telegram has announced a major partnership with Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, to integrate the chatbot Grok into its messaging platform. This development will provide over a billion users with access to the AI assistant directly within Telegram’s interface.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov revealed the agreement on social media, stating that the collaboration would run for an initial period of one year. Telegram is set to gain $300 million from the agreement, comprising both cash and company shares. Additionally, the company will collect 50 percent of revenue generated from xAI subscriptions sold through the Telegram app.
“Together, we win!” Durov wrote in his announcement, expressing confidence in the strategic and financial value of the deal.
The integration of Grok follows a similar move by Meta, which recently embedded its own AI assistant into WhatsApp. That rollout triggered a wave of user complaints and privacy concerns. While AI features offer new capabilities, many users have raised questions about their role in personal communications.
Media analyst Hanna Kahlert of Midia Research commented on the trend, explaining that the AI-social media crossover continues to gain momentum. However, she warned that the technology might not align with user expectations.
“Users primarily still use social platforms to talk to their friends and see their friends’ updates. Adding AI into direct messaging inherently supplants that. It reduces trust between users and distracts from what these platforms are supposed to offer,” Kahlert said in an interview with BBC News.
Despite these concerns, the partnership presents significant opportunities for both companies. Telegram will benefit from new revenue streams and cutting-edge technology, while xAI gains access to one of the world’s largest messaging audiences.
The deal also links two of the most influential and sometimes controversial figures in the tech world. Pavel Durov has faced legal challenges and scrutiny over Telegram’s content moderation policies. In August 2024, he was arrested in France after being accused of failing to adequately regulate criminal content on the platform. Critics described Telegram as “the dark web in your pocket,” pointing to the presence of illicit activities such as drug trafficking and online fraud.
Durov strongly denied the allegations, insisting that Telegram cooperates with law enforcement agencies where appropriate. The company also issued public statements rejecting claims of negligence, stating that its moderation system adheres to local laws and global standards.
Elon Musk, meanwhile, continues to push the boundaries of technology through his various ventures. In addition to founding xAI, Musk leads Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink. He has become increasingly active in the political landscape as well, aligning himself with U.S. President Donald Trump and campaigning during the last election cycle.
Some industry observers believe Musk’s political involvement has contributed to declining sales at Tesla, as consumer sentiment becomes more polarized. Nonetheless, Musk has remained committed to his vision of transforming industries through advanced technology, with artificial intelligence being a central focus.
Musk previously co-founded OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, but departed after disagreements over its future direction. Since then, he has publicly criticized OpenAI’s leadership and philosophy, leading to tensions with current CEO Sam Altman. Earlier this year, Musk attempted to acquire OpenAI but was unsuccessful. His efforts have since shifted toward building xAI into a formidable competitor in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
The chatbot Grok represents one of xAI’s most prominent innovations. Designed to engage users in dynamic conversations, Grok provides answers, suggestions, and real-time information. Integrating Grok into Telegram could significantly enhance user experience by offering intelligent support directly within chats and group discussions.
Telegram’s approach to monetization has traditionally been conservative, relying on voluntary premium subscriptions and limited advertising. The xAI deal signals a shift toward partnerships that can generate substantial revenue without compromising user experience. By offering AI-driven services through in-app subscriptions, Telegram may be laying the groundwork for a more sustainable business model.
However, the success of the integration will depend on user reception. While some users may embrace AI as a helpful tool for productivity and entertainment, others might be concerned about privacy, data security, or the interruption of natural conversations.
For Telegram, the collaboration marks an important milestone in its evolution from a basic messaging service to a multi-functional communication platform. For xAI, it offers a valuable opportunity to scale its product rapidly and compete with established players in the AI space.
The coming months will determine how well the AI assistant is adopted by Telegram’s user base. If successful, the partnership could set a precedent for how messaging platforms incorporate artificial intelligence in ways that are both innovative and user-friendly.
