Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Criticizes French Authorities Following Arrest
In a notable reaction to his recent arrest, Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has condemned French authorities for their misguided accusations regarding insufficient moderation on the messaging platform. Durov, speaking for the first time since his detention, firmly refuted claims that Telegram resembles an “anarchic paradise,” labeling them as “absolutely untrue.”
Durov was detained on August 25 at an airport near Paris and has since been charged with complicity in facilitating illicit activities, including drug trafficking, fraud, and the distribution of child sexual abuse material. In his statement, published on Telegram, he expressed astonishment at being held accountable for crimes committed by third parties.
“The approach of holding me responsible for the actions of users on our platform is both surprising and misguided,” he stated. Durov emphasized the proper protocol for countries dissatisfied with online services should involve legal action directed at the service provider, not its executives.
He criticized the application of outdated laws to modern situations, warning that if innovators are fearful of personal repercussions from the misuse of their creations, the development of new technologies could be severely stifled. Durov acknowledged that while Telegram is not without flaws, the platform actively works to eradicate harmful content, removing millions of offending posts daily.
Despite facing criticism for allowing large group sizes which some argue facilitate the spread of misinformation and extremist content, Durov defended his company’s efforts. He pointed out that Telegram has official channels for communication and that the app has a representative within the EU.
Concerns about Telegram’s content moderation systems have intensified, particularly following reports of the app being used to organize extremist activities. Cybersecurity experts have suggested that Telegram’s moderation practices may be less effective compared to other social media platforms.
In response to inquiries about the surge in users, which he claims has reached around 950 million, Durov admitted that rapid growth has led to challenges in content moderation but pledged to enhance the platform’s safety measures.
Recent interactions with UK authorities highlighted Telegram’s refusal to participate in initiatives aimed at combating online child exploitation. Durov, originally from Russia and now residing in Dubai, maintains citizenship in both the UAE and France. Founded in 2013, Telegram has gained immense popularity across various regions, including Russia and Ukraine, and continues to be a significant player in the global social media landscape.
