Telegram CEO Breaks Silence on French Arrest Amidst Moderation Controversy

As a long-time user of Telegram and admirer of Pavel Durov’s innovative spirit, I find myself deeply concerned about the recent events unfolding around his arrest by French authorities. Having spent years navigating the complexities of privacy and regulation in my own line of work, I can empathize with the challenges that Durov faces as a visionary striving to maintain user freedom while addressing legitimate concerns from law enforcement.


In response to accusations made by French officials after his apprehension last month, Pavel Durov took to Telegram to share his thoughts.

Durov Speaks Up

For the initial time since his detention by French law enforcement officers in Paris on August 24, Pavel Durov, the inventor and head of Telegram, has publicly commented on the matter. On September 5, Durov used his Telegram platform to divulge his version of the incidents leading to his arrest and the accusations leveled against him.

In a recent message on Telegram, Durov expressed his bewilderment and astonishment over the accusations, detailing that he was interrogated by French authorities for a span of four days.

He remarked, 

As a crypto investor, I found myself in an unexpected predicament when I learned that my non-response to requests made by French authorities regarding Telegram’s activities could potentially make me personally accountable for any illegal actions taken on the platform by others.

Allegations of Misuse against Durov

On August 24, French officials detained Durov at Le Bourget Airport close to Paris, primarily on suspicions concerning Telegram’s methods for moderating content. The authorities claimed that the platform permitted illicit activities like drug dealing and dissemination of harmful content, including child exploitation material.

In his post, Durov reassured users that the company is already working on solutions to reduce misuse of the platform and promised to share more details soon.

Durov’s Response and Criticism

Durov voiced doubts about the actions of the French authorities, stating that Telegram currently possesses mechanisms to handle legal demands from European law enforcement agencies. Moreover, he underscored his previous collaboration with French officials, highlighting their partnership in setting up a dedicated channel for communication between them, primarily focusing on addressing terrorism issues in France.

As a researcher delving into the discourse surrounding Telegram, I’ve noticed that while the CEO acknowledges potential enhancements in how authorities interact with our platform, he firmly refutes allegations labeling it as lawless. Instead, he emphasizes the relentless work of our team to eradicate millions of harmful content daily and their commitment to fostering transparency through public reports.

Durov Calls Out “Misguided Approach”

The CEO also criticized the decision to hold him personally accountable for third-party activities on Telegram, calling it a flawed approach. He argued that legal action should be directed at the platform rather than the individuals managing it, saying,  

Constructing technology is already a challenging endeavor, and no pioneer would dare develop novel instruments if they fear being held accountable for any misuse of those tools.

Challenges of Privacy and Regulation

Durov admitted that finding a balance between users’ privacy and law enforcement requirements can be tricky, given the disparity between local laws and global regulations. However, he emphasized that Telegram remains committed to upholding users’ rights, particularly in areas under authoritarian rule.

He emphasized that the company is willing to exit markets that enforce regulations conflicting with its core principles. Citing examples, he mentioned that Telegram had been banned in Russia for refusing to share encryption keys with the government and in Iran for declining to block peaceful protester channels.

Implications for Free Speech in Tech 

The arrest of Durov has reignited discussions about free speech and privacy in the tech industry. Figures like Elon Musk and Edward Snowden have come out in support of Durov, labeling the incident as an attack on free expression. The case is being closely watched for its potential impact on both Telegram and the broader tech landscape.

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2024-09-06 17:09