TLDR:
Pavel Durov, Telegram CEO, arrested in France and released on bail
Durov expresses surprise at arrest, citing Telegram’s legal representation in France
French authorities investigating alleged criminal activity on Telegram
Durov claims Telegram is prepared to leave markets incompatible with its principles
Debate sparked over free speech and criminal activity on messaging platforms
Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, has spoken out for the first time since his arrest in France on August 25, 2024. The tech entrepreneur was detained at an airport north of Paris and later released on bail set at $5.56 million as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged criminal activity on the Telegram platform.
In a message posted on Telegram, Durov expressed surprise at his arrest, stating that the company has a legal representative in France who handles all regulatory requests and inquiries. He also mentioned that as a French citizen, he was a regular guest at the French Consulate in Dubai, where he resides.
Pavel Durov’s Message, Source: Telegram
French authorities are investigating Durov over suspected complicity in allowing illicit transactions, drug trafficking, fraud, and the spread of child sex abuse images on Telegram.
The messaging app, which Durov claims has 950 million users, has faced scrutiny for its alleged role in facilitating criminal activities and hosting extremist content.
Durov defended Telegram’s moderation efforts, stating,
“The claims in some media that Telegram is some sort of anarchic paradise are absolutely untrue. We take down millions of harmful posts and channels every day.”
However, he acknowledged that the platform’s rapid growth had caused “growing pains” that made it easier for criminals to abuse the service.
The Telegram founder criticized the French authorities’ decision to charge him personally rather than taking action against the company. “Using laws from the pre-smartphone era to charge a CEO with crimes committed by third parties on the platform he manages is a misguided approach,” Durov said.
The arrest has sparked a debate about free speech and the responsibilities of tech platforms. Durov emphasized Telegram’s commitment to protecting users in authoritarian regimes, citing instances where the app refused to comply with government demands in Russia and Iran.
“We are prepared to leave markets that aren’t compatible with our principles because we are not doing this for money,” Durov stated. “We are driven by the intention to bring good and defend the basic rights of people, particularly in places where these rights are violated.”
The investigation into Telegram comes as messaging apps face increasing pressure to moderate content and cooperate with law enforcement.
Critics argue that Telegram’s large group sizes of up to 200,000 members make it easier for misinformation and illegal content to spread.
In response to these concerns, Durov said,
“That’s why I made it my personal goal to ensure we significantly improve things in this regard. We’ve already started that process internally, and I will share more details on our progress with you very soon.”
French President Emmanuel Macron issued a statement following Durov’s arrest, claiming it was not politically motivated. However, the incident has drawn international criticism, with some tech industry figures expressing concern about the implications for free speech.
As the investigation continues, Durov remains under formal investigation in France. He is currently prohibited from leaving the country and must check in with law enforcement on a weekly basis.
The post Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Breaks Silence Following French Arrest: Defends Telegram’s Moderation appeared first on Blockonomi.
