Telegram has come out in defense of its CEO, Pavel Durov, following his arrest at an airport near Paris on Saturday. The messaging app stated that Durov “has nothing to hide” after his detainment under a warrant for failing to moderate illegal content on the platform. The 39-year-old billionaire was accused of neglecting to curb criminal activities, including drug trafficking, child exploitation, and fraud, which have reportedly proliferated on Telegram.
According to officials, the investigation is focused on Telegram’s alleged failure to cooperate with law enforcement. Despite repeated requests, the app has been criticized for not doing enough to combat the spread of harmful content. Durov’s arrest has sparked a debate over the responsibilities of tech CEOs when it comes to moderating platforms that serve millions of users.
In response, Telegram has stated that its moderation practices are within industry standards and continuously improving. The company argued that it is unreasonable to hold Durov personally responsible for the misuse of the platform, saying, “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform.”
Telegram has also highlighted its compliance with European Union regulations, particularly the Digital Services Act, which aims to ensure a safe and accountable online environment. The company emphasized that it serves nearly one billion users globally, offering a critical communication tool and source of information for millions.
Durov’s arrest has caused diplomatic ripples, particularly with Russia. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the Russian embassy in France is seeking to clarify the situation and ensure Durov’s rights are protected. Russia, which still regards Durov as a citizen despite his multiple nationalities, has expressed concerns over his detainment and criticized the French authorities for their lack of cooperation.
Telegram has been at the center of numerous controversies regarding content moderation. The app allows groups of up to 200,000 members, making it a fertile ground for misinformation and illegal content, according to cybersecurity experts. Critics argue that Telegram’s moderation system lags behind other social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, which have implemented more stringent content policing.
The app has faced particular scrutiny in the UK, where far-right groups used Telegram to organize violent protests earlier this month. Though some extremist channels were removed, experts suggest that Telegram’s overall moderation efforts remain insufficient compared to industry norms.
This isn’t the first time Durov has faced conflict with authorities. In 2018, Telegram was banned in Russia for refusing to hand over encrypted user data to the government. The ban was eventually lifted in 2021 after a prolonged standoff between Durov and the Kremlin, who still see him as a defiant figure in the tech world.
As Durov remains in custody, the company is awaiting a swift resolution. For now, Telegram stands by its CEO and its platform, expressing confidence in its ability to operate within the bounds of the law.
For more details on the situation, visit the full article at BBC News.
