Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, is currently facing scrutiny from French authorities over alleged illegal activities associated with the messaging platform. The investigation, which began on July 7, 2024, led to Durov’s detention by French police on August 24, 2024, following his arrival in Paris. The charges include his refusal to cooperate with law enforcement requests and accusations of Telegram being used for distributing illegal content such as child exploitation materials, drugs, and fraud, along with money laundering.
Telegram has publicly defended Durov and the platform, asserting that it adheres to European Union regulations, including the Digital Services Act. In a social media statement, the company argued that it is a crucial communication tool for its vast user base and rejected the idea that it should be held responsible for the illegal activities of its users. Telegram is awaiting a resolution to the legal matter, emphasizing that Durov has always been transparent and cooperative.
Pavel Durov Faces French Scrutiny Over Alleged Telegram Misuse and Legal Non-Compliance
The arrest was first reported by Jean-Michel Bernigaud of France’s child protection unit, although his posts on LinkedIn about the case have been removed. French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that the arrest is a judicial issue and not politically motivated. Macron reassured the public of France’s commitment to freedom of expression and innovation, stressing that the judicial process is independent of political influences.
Durov’s history includes founding VK, a prominent social network in Russia, and leaving the country due to government pressures. He later relocated to Dubai after facing similar demands from the US government regarding backdoors in Telegram. The platform, which Durov positions as a defender of free speech and anti-censorship, offers encrypted messaging but does not enable encryption by default for all messages.
The charges against Durov also involve breaches of French laws governing cryptographic services, which mandate prior approval for such tools. This situation has drawn attention from other encrypted messaging services, with some expressing concern that the charges could set a troubling precedent for the industry. Critics argue that enforcing technologies to detect illegal content in encrypted communications could undermine encryption itself, raising broader implications for tech companies and their founders.
