Pavel Durov, Telegram’s 39-year-old billionaire founder and CEO, was arrested on Sunday at Le Bourget Airport near Paris. French authorities detained Durov as he arrived on his private jet from Azerbaijan, acting on an arrest warrant issued in connection with allegations against his popular messaging app.
The arrest stems from an ongoing investigation into claims that Telegram has failed to adequately moderate content on its platform, allowing illegal activities to flourish. “French officials accuse Durov of neglecting to address criminal activities such as drug trafficking, fraud, and the sharing of child sexual content.”
Telegram, which boasts nearly a billion users worldwide, has faced criticism for its large group chats of up to 200,000 members and alleged weak moderation practices compared to other major platforms. The app has become a significant source of unfiltered information about conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war but has also drawn scrutiny for hosting extremist content.
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Durov, who holds dual citizenship in France and the United Arab Emirates, left Russia in 2014 after refusing government demands to shut down opposition groups on his previous social media platform, VKontakte. He has since been living in Dubai, where Telegram is headquartered.
The Russian Embassy in France has requested consular access to Durov and information about his detention. Meanwhile, tech billionaire Elon Musk and other prominent figures have commented on the arrest, with some calling for Durov’s release.
As the situation develops, it is likely to spark further debate about online privacy, content moderation, and tech platforms’ responsibilities. The case could significantly affect Telegram’s operations and the broader landscape of messaging apps and social media platforms.
French authorities are expected to provide more details about the charges against Durov and the ongoing investigation in the coming days. Telegram has not yet issued an official statement regarding its founder’s arrest.
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