In a move that has sparked widespread discussion, Pavel Durov, the founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, has made a highly unconventional public offer. He has proposed to financially support in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment for women who wish to conceive a child using his sperm.
An Unconventional Proposal to Boost Population
Unlike tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has personally fathered a large number of children, Durov's approach is distinctly different. Musk is known to have at least 14 children from his personal relationships. Durov's campaign, however, is aimed at encouraging single women to utilise what he describes as his "high-quality" genetic material through assisted reproductive technology. The announcement was reported on 08 January 2026, bringing the topics of male fertility, technological influence on society, and population debates back into the spotlight.
Contrasting Philosophies on Procreation
The initiative immediately draws a parallel with Elon Musk, who has been vocal about his concerns regarding declining birth rates. However, Durov's method is more institutional and detached. He is not proposing traditional parenthood but rather acting as a genetic donor, with the state of being a single mother facilitated by his financial backing for the medical procedure. This highlights a growing, albeit niche, trend where successful individuals in the tech world are directly intervening in demographic conversations, albeit in radically different ways.
Implications and Ethical Questions
Durov's offer raises several immediate questions about ethics, motivation, and the future of family structures. It touches upon sensitive issues surrounding male infertility and sperm count concerns that are part of global health discussions. Furthermore, it probes the boundaries of how technology leaders seek to influence societal norms beyond their platforms. While some may view it as a bizarre publicity stunt, others might see it as a genuine, if eccentric, attempt to contribute to addressing population challenges. The story continues to develop as public and expert reactions pour in.
