Telegram Claims That The Arrested CEO Durov Has No Secrets to Conceal.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was detained in France on Saturday under a warrant linked to alleged offences concerning the messaging app. Officials reported that his arrest took place at an airport north of Paris.
The investigation reportedly focuses on claims of insufficient moderation, with Durov facing accusations of not adequately addressing the criminal use of Telegram. The app has been criticized for allegedly failing to cooperate with law enforcement regarding issues such as drug trafficking, child sexual exploitation, and fraud.
In response to these allegations, Telegram issued a statement asserting that its moderation practices are aligned with industry standards and are continually improving. The company emphasized that it is unreasonable to hold a platform or its owner accountable for the misuse of that platform.
Telegram also highlighted that Durov frequently travels across Europe and reiterated its commitment to complying with European Union regulations, including the Digital Services Act, which seeks to create a safer online environment.
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The app’s statement mentioned that nearly a billion users worldwide rely on Telegram for communication and access to essential information. They expressed hope for a swift resolution to Durov’s situation, stating, “Telegram is with you all.”
According to judicial sources cited by AFP news agency, Durov’s detention was extended on Sunday and could potentially last up to 96 hours.
Pavel Durov, 39, originally from Russia, currently resides in Dubai, where Telegram is headquartered. He holds citizenship in both the United Arab Emirates and France.
Telegram enjoys significant popularity in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet states. Although the app was banned in Russia in 2018 due to Durov’s refusal to surrender user data, this ban was lifted in 2021. Since its founding in 2013, Durov has faced challenges, including leaving Russia in 2014 after resisting government demands to shut down opposition groups on his previous social media platform, VKontakte.
