Telegram has come to the defense of its CEO, Pavel Durov, following his recent arrest in France. Durov, who was detained at an airport near Paris, is under investigation for alleged failures in moderating the content on Telegram, which authorities claim has facilitated criminal activities, including drug trafficking, child exploitation, and fraud.
The company has responded to the arrest by asserting that Durov has “nothing to hide” and emphasized that Telegram’s moderation practices are within industry standards and continually improving. “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform,” Telegram stated.
Durov, a Russian-born entrepreneur who now resides in Dubai, is a dual citizen of the UAE and France. He founded Telegram in 2013 after leaving Russia due to conflicts with the government over his previous social media platform, VKontakte. Despite its controversies, Telegram has grown to become one of the world’s leading social media platforms, particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet states.
The French authorities have extended Durov’s detention, which could last up to 96 hours, as they investigate the claims against him. Meanwhile, the Russian government has expressed concern, with its embassy in France seeking to clarify the situation and protect Durov’s rights.
Telegram reiterated its commitment to complying with European Union laws, including the Digital Services Act, and expressed hope for a swift resolution to the situation. The company also highlighted its role as a vital communication tool for nearly a billion users worldwide.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the global community is watching closely to see how the allegations against Durov and Telegram will impact the future of the platform and its standing in the social media landscape.
