Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Arrested in France
Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, was detained in France after landing at Le Bourget airport. Reactions from Moscow and Elon Musk raise worries about free speech and individual rights. Despite the arrest, Telegram maintains its commitment to EU legislation and industry standards.
Sources revealed that the 39-year-old tech mogul was taken into custody, sparking reactions from various quarters.
Moscow cautioned Paris to uphold Durov's rights, while Elon Musk, owner of X, criticised the situation, highlighting concerns about free speech in Europe. Although French authorities have not officially confirmed the arrest, sources indicate that Durov was apprehended upon his arrival from Azerbaijan.
French police, acting on an arrest warrant, identified Durov on the jet's passenger list and moved swiftly to detain him. Telegram responded to the incident, asserting its compliance with EU laws and industry standards for content moderation, emphasising that neither the platform nor its owner should be held accountable for misuse.
Durov, holding French and UAE citizenship, was arrested as part of a preliminary investigation into alleged criminal activities facilitated by insufficient moderation on Telegram. The probe involves a cybersecurity gendarmerie unit and France's anti-fraud police, overseen by a judge specialised in organised crime.
Despite the unfolding events, Telegram expressed solidarity with its users, awaiting a swift resolution. Meanwhile, Russian lawmaker Maria Butina labelled Durov a "political prisoner," echoing sentiments of a witch-hunt by Western powers. The arrest made headlines in Russia, where Telegram enjoys significant popularity.
Founded by Durov in Dubai, Telegram boasts nearly 1 billion users, wielding influence across Russia, Ukraine, and former Soviet republics. Durov, valued at US$15.5 billion by Forbes, has faced pressure from governments but remains steadfast in maintaining Telegram as a neutral platform, steering clear of geopolitical entanglements.
Following his departure from Russia in 2014, Durov's encrypted messaging app has played a pivotal role in disseminating unfiltered information amid the Ukraine conflict. Despite facing challenges and criticism, Telegram stands firm on protecting user privacy and upholding freedom of speech and assembly.
Pavel Durov, the mastermind behind an encrypted messaging app, found inspiration while under pressure in Russia. His brother, Nikolai, took charge of designing the encryption, setting the stage for a revolutionary platform.
"I would rather be free than to take orders from anyone," Durov expressed in April, reflecting on his departure from Russia and the quest to establish his company in various global hubs like Berlin, London, Singapore, and San Francisco.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Telegram emerged as a pivotal source of unfiltered content, albeit at times containing graphic and misleading information from both sides of the conflict. The platform transformed into what analysts describe as a "virtual battlefield," extensively utilised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, his administration, and the Russian government.
Despite Russia's foreign ministry seeking access to Durov, citing his French citizenship, former President Dmitry Medvedev criticised Durov's decision to flee Russia. Medvedev highlighted Durov's misconception of evading cooperation with foreign security services, branding him as a "brilliant 'man of the world'" who underestimated the consequences of his actions.
In 2018, Russia initiated a block on Telegram after the app declined to adhere to a court order granting state security services access to encrypted messages. This move led to disruptions in third-party services but had minimal impact on Telegram's availability. The ban triggered widespread protests in Moscow and drew condemnation from NGOs.
Telegram emphasises its dedication to safeguarding user privacy and fundamental rights like freedom of speech and assembly. Durov has accused U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, of attempting to create a backdoor into the platform, although the FBI has not responded to these claims.
The platform's escalating popularity has attracted scrutiny from various European nations, including France, concerning security and data breach apprehensions. Elon Musk, billionaire owner of X, commented on reports of Durov's detention, envisioning a dystopian future in Europe where individuals face consequences for trivial actions like liking a meme.
Amidst these developments, a solitary protester outside the French embassy in Moscow held a sign demanding "Liberté pour Pavel Durov," symbolising the ongoing support for Durov's cause.
Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, detained in France upon landing at Le Bourget airport.
Reactions from Moscow and Elon Musk highlight concerns over free speech and individual rights.
Telegram asserts commitment to EU laws and industry standards amid the arrest.
Source: REUTERS