Pavel Durov, the CEO and cofounder of Telegram, was reportedly arrested at Le Bourget airport in Paris. The arrest took place as part of a preliminary police investigation into possible criminal activity on the messaging platform. French outlets TF1 Info and BFM reported that Durov’s arrest is linked to allegations of a lack of moderators on Telegram and a lack of cooperation with law enforcement. One source even claimed that Telegram is a hub for criminal content, including illegal sports broadcasts and child pornography exchanges.
While there has been no official confirmation from France regarding the arrest or any actions taken against Telegram, Durov could potentially face indictment on Sunday. The French Interior Ministry has yet to respond to requests for comment.
Telegram, headquartered in Dubai, was founded by Durov after he left Russia in 2014. The encrypted messaging platform has nearly one billion users and holds significant influence in Russia, Ukraine, and other countries in the former Soviet Union. It is considered a major social media platform, following the likes of Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and WeChat.
Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, Telegram has become a vital tool for delivering updates on the situation. The platform allows both the Ukrainian and Russian governments and military officials to share information with their respective audiences. Telegram prides itself on protecting user privacy and upholding human rights, such as freedom of speech and assembly.
In an interview with commentator Tucker Carlson, Durov expressed his desire for Telegram to remain a neutral platform and not get involved in geopolitics. He emphasized the importance of defending users’ privacy and freedom of speech. Durov believes Telegram’s independence and commitment to privacy are the main reasons why users choose the platform.
Elon Musk, the owner of X, voiced his concerns about the arrest, warning that free speech in Europe was under attack. Musk wrote on his platform, “It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme.” The arrest of Durov also prompted a lone protester outside the French embassy in Moscow, advocating for “Freedom for Pavel Durov.”
Chris Pavlovski, the CEO of video-sharing platform Rumble, expressed solidarity with Durov and announced his departure from Europe. Pavlovski stated that France’s threats against Rumble and the arrest of Durov crossed a red line. Rumble intends to fight for freedom of expression and is currently involved in legal battles in France.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry has reportedly sent a note to France’s Foreign Ministry regarding Durov’s arrest. The situation continues to unfold, and updates are expected in the coming days.
In conclusion, the arrest of Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, has raised concerns about the platform’s alleged lack of cooperation with law enforcement and the presence of criminal content. While Durov emphasizes Telegram’s commitment to privacy and neutrality, critics argue that the platform has become a haven for illegal activities. The incident has sparked debates about free speech and the role of social media platforms in today’s society. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how this arrest will impact Telegram and its users.
