Telegram's Response
In a statement, Telegram asserted that its moderation practices align with industry standards and are continually evolving. The company emphasized the absurdity of holding a platform or its owner accountable for the misuse of its services. “Almost a billion users globally use Telegram as a means of communication and as a source of vital information,” the statement read, underscoring the app’s significance in the digital landscape.
Telegram also highlighted its compliance with European Union regulations, including the Digital Services Act, which aims to foster a safer online environment. The company expressed its hope for a swift resolution to the situation, reassuring users that “Telegram is with you all.”
According to judicial sources cited by AFP news agency, Durov’s detention has been extended and could last up to 96 hours. The 39-year-old entrepreneur, originally from Russia and now residing in Dubai, holds citizenship in both the United Arab Emirates and France. Telegram enjoys considerable popularity in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet states, although it faced a ban in Russia in 2018 due to Durov’s refusal to surrender user data. This ban was lifted in 2021.
International Implications
The Russian government has taken an interest in Durov’s situation, with its foreign ministry confirming that the Russian embassy in France is working to clarify the circumstances of his detention. The embassy is reportedly seeking to ensure Durov’s rights are protected and facilitate consular access. Notably, the Russian foreign ministry has expressed concern over the lack of cooperation from French authorities.
Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry, took to Telegram to question whether Western human rights organizations would remain silent regarding Durov’s arrest, recalling their previous criticisms of Russia’s actions against Telegram in 2018.
Content Moderation Challenges
Telegram’s structure allows for groups of up to 200,000 members, a feature that critics argue facilitates the spread of misinformation and extremist content. The app has faced scrutiny in the UK for hosting far-right channels linked to recent violent incidents in English cities. While Telegram has removed some problematic groups, cybersecurity experts contend that its moderation system is significantly less robust than those of other major social media platforms.
As the situation unfolds, the implications for Telegram and its leadership remain to be seen, particularly in the context of ongoing debates about content moderation and the responsibilities of digital platforms in today’s complex information landscape.