Over the weekend, Pavel Durov, the originator and CEO of a well-known messaging app called Telegram, was apprehended in Paris for allegedly permitting his platform’s use in illicit activities like drug peddling and child pornography distribution.
He alighted from Azerbaijan before being arrested on Saturday (August 24, 2024) at Le Bourget airport in Paris.He defended himself by saying that he is running within EU laws and his content moderation meets “industry standards and is constantly improving” as explained by Telegram. The company added that its founder “travels a lot in Europe and has nothing to hide.”Telegram claims that it has more than 950 million active users.
This is widely used in France as a means of communication including some individuals serving in Elysee palace and the ministry responsible for investigating Durov’s involvement but it is also noted that Telegram has been used by jihadists and drug dealers.“Durov launched Telegram along with his younger brother Nikolai,” reads a statement by Telegram officials. In terms of finances, Pavel Durov supports this initiative while technological expertise comes from Nikolai.
French media reported about an arrest warrant issued against Durov on suspicion of using his platform for money laundering or selling drugs.
Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X who has called himself a “ free speech absolutist,” has been speaking out in support of Durov and posted “#freePavel” following the arrest. “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform,” Telegram’s post said. “Almost a billion users globally use Telegram as a means of communication and as a source of vital information. We’re awaiting a prompt resolution of this situation. Telegram is with you all.”
