Official Communication Protocols
In a recent statement, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized the Russian presidential administration’s stance on communication security, asserting that no messenger applications are utilized for official correspondence. This declaration comes in the wake of the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France, a situation that has drawn considerable attention.
Peskov articulated that government employees are advised against using any messaging applications for official purposes, citing concerns over information security. He specifically mentioned that “no messenger is reliable” enough to safeguard sensitive communications, with Telegram being no exception. This adherence to protocol is seen as a fundamental aspect of maintaining official ethics within the administration.
During a press briefing, Peskov addressed rumors regarding the presidential administration’s alleged directives for officials to delete messages and “clean up” their correspondence. He firmly denied these claims, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to transparency and security in official communications.
The backdrop to these statements includes the recent detention of Pavel Durov by French authorities, who apprehended him upon his arrival in Paris from Azerbaijan. Durov, a Russian citizen with multiple passports, faces preliminary charges related to facilitating illegal activities on his platform, including drug trafficking and money laundering. French officials have indicated that his refusal to cooperate with investigations into a third party has led to these serious allegations.
Reactions from the Kremlin and Beyond
While the Kremlin has refrained from commenting extensively on Durov’s arrest, Peskov indicated that officials would await further developments before making any public statements. In contrast, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed a different perspective, suggesting that Durov’s detention underscores the security of Telegram as a communication platform. Lavrov posited that the circumstances surrounding Durov’s arrest highlight the lengths to which authorities may go to access encryption codes, thereby reinforcing Telegram’s reputation as a secure network.
French President Emmanuel Macron has characterized Durov’s detention as part of an ongoing judicial investigation, clarifying that it is not politically motivated. In response to the unfolding situation, Telegram has issued a statement denying any wrongdoing, asserting that it complies with EU regulations, including the Digital Services Act and anti-Russian sanctions.
The incident has sparked a wave of criticism from various opinion leaders, both in Russia and the West, who view the arrest as an infringement on free speech. Some commentators have suggested that external influences, particularly from the United States, may be at play in this high-profile case.