Telegram, the globally popular encrypted messaging platform, has announced a landmark partnership with Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, to integrate the Grok AI chatbot into its service. This high-profile deal, valued at $300 million and set to last one year, is poised to transform how Telegram’s more than one billion users interact with AI-powered features within the app.
Deal Structure and Financials
- Investment: xAI will pay Telegram $300 million, a combination of cash and equity, for the integration and distribution rights of Grok on Telegram.
- Revenue Sharing: Telegram will receive 50% of all revenue generated from xAI subscriptions sold through its platform during the partnership period.
- Duration: The agreement is valid for one year, with Grok becoming a prominent feature across all Telegram apps starting summer 2025.
What Will Grok Do on Telegram?
Grok, xAI’s flagship chatbot, will be deeply integrated into Telegram’s user interface and available to all users—not just premium subscribers. Key functionalities showcased in preview videos and announcements include:
- Text Editing: Grok can help users refine messages before sending.
- Chat Summaries: Quickly condense long or busy conversations for easier catch-up.
- Document Analysis: Break down lengthy files and provide concise summaries.
- Group Moderation: Automate moderation tasks in group chats and channels.
- Fact-Checking: Verify information shared within Channels.
- Image Generation: Create stickers and avatars on demand.
- Business and Productivity Tools: Answer business queries, assist with writing, and more.
Grok will be accessible directly from the search bar and can be pinned to the top of conversations for instant access.
Strategic Implications
- For Telegram: The partnership provides a significant financial boost, strengthening its balance sheet and supporting ongoing development. It also positions Telegram as a leader in AI-enhanced messaging platforms, keeping pace with competitors like Meta, which recently rolled out Meta AI in WhatsApp and Instagram.
- For xAI: The deal gives xAI access to Telegram’s massive, diverse user base and potentially valuable data for training and improving Grok, although Telegram has emphasized that only data explicitly shared with Grok during direct interactions will be accessible to xAI.
Privacy and Data Use
Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, has reassured users that privacy remains “paramount.” He clarified that xAI will only access data that users intentionally share with Grok, such as direct messages to the chatbot. No broader user data or private conversations will be shared without explicit user action.
“User privacy is paramount. To be clear, xAI will only access data that Telegram users explicitly share with Grok through direct interactions. That’s expected—you can’t message anyone (including a chatbot) without sharing what you write.” — Pavel Durov45
Context and Controversy
This partnership brings together two of the tech industry’s most controversial figures: Pavel Durov, who has faced legal scrutiny in France over Telegram’s moderation practices, and Elon Musk, whose companies often attract both admiration and criticism. The timing is notable, as AI integration into messaging apps is becoming a key battleground, with privacy and content moderation under increased scrutiny from users and regulators.
Looking Ahead
The Grok integration is scheduled to launch in summer 2025 and is expected to set a new standard for AI-powered features in messaging apps. As the partnership unfolds, both companies will be closely watched for how they handle user privacy, data use, and the broader impact of advanced AI on digital communication.