Pavel Durov, the founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, was released from police custody in France on Wednesday, Aug. 28, a few days after he was arrested at an airport in Paris.
His arrest at Paris's Bourget Airport on Saturday, Aug. 24, sparked a controversy over freedom of speech and raised concerns about the app's moderation policies.
Dramatic Arrest at Paris Airport
Durov, the 39-year-old tech billionaire from Russia, was detained on Saturday at Paris's Bourget Airport under a warrant linked to Telegram's lack of content moderation. He is being investigated for serious charges, including allegations that his platform has been used by fraudsters, drug traffickers, and those involved in spreading child pornography.
The app has also faced criticism for its use by terrorist organizations and far-right extremist groups, further complicating Durov's legal situation, according to CNN.
Legal Proceedings in Paris
After his release from the anti-fraud office outside Paris, Durov was transported in what appeared to be a police vehicle to a court in the French capital.
According to the Paris prosecutor's office, Durov now faces "initial questioning and possible indictment," a process that could significantly impact his future and the operations of Telegram.
Under French law, Durov could be held in custody for up to 96 hours before charges are officially brought against him. This detention marks a critical moment in the ongoing investigation into Telegram's role in facilitating criminal activities through its unmoderated platform.
International Implications and Concerns
Durov's arrest has sparked a heated debate over freedom of speech, particularly in regions where Telegram is a vital communication tool. The app is extremely popular in both Ukraine and Russia, where it serves as a key platform for communication among military personnel and civilians during Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. The potential indictment of Durov has raised concerns about the future accessibility and use of Telegram in these conflict zones.
In an unusual move, French President Emmanuel Macron publicly commented on the situation, asserting that the decision to bring charges against Durov was "in no way political."
Telegram's Global Influence and Controversy
Since its launch in 2013 by Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai, Telegram has grown to become one of the most widely used messaging platforms in the world, boasting over 950 million users. The app's encrypted conversations offer users a high level of privacy, which has been both a selling point and a source of controversy.
Law enforcement agencies and even Telegram itself have limited ability to monitor user activity, leading to accusations that the platform provides a safe haven for illegal activities.
Durov, often referred to as the "Mark Zuckerberg of Russia," was born in the Soviet Union in 1984 and gained fame in his 20s as a pioneering tech entrepreneur. He left Russia in 2014, relocating to Dubai, where Telegram is now headquartered. Despite his global lifestyle, Durov also holds French citizenship, further complicating the legal and diplomatic dimensions of his current predicament.
The Future of Telegram and Free Speech
As Pavel Durov faces the possibility of indictment in France, the future of Telegram hangs in the balance. The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications, not only for the platform itself but also for broader discussions on the balance between free speech and the responsibility of tech companies to moderate content.
Durov's Arrest Opens Up Several Controversies
Following his arrest, Toncoin went downhill to almost 20%, according to Tech Times.
Another story by the Independent says that the Russian Mark Zuckerberg is a father to more than 100 children. He said that his friend had a "weird" request 15 years ago. Since the couple has fertility issues and they can't have kids, he was told to donate sperm so they could have a baby.
What's more, even Pavel's brother, Nikolai Durov was issued an arrest warrant in France as exclusively seen by POLITICO in a document.
