Telegram’s CEO and founder, Pavel Durov, found himself in a precarious situation this past Saturday evening when he was arrested at Bourget airport near Paris. According to reports from French media, the arrest was executed by local authorities based on an outstanding warrant linked to a preliminary police investigation. Durov was traveling in his private jet, arriving from Azerbaijan, when he was taken into custody around 20:00 local time (18:00 GMT).
The French police are currently investigating the absence of moderators on the Telegram platform, which they claim has facilitated various criminal activities. As of now, neither the French authorities nor Telegram has issued any statements regarding the incident.
Telegram: Main Source of Information in Russia-Ukraine War
Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, Telegram has emerged as a significant source of information, often providing unfiltered content that can be both graphic and misleading. The app has become the communication tool of choice for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his officials, while also serving as a channel for the Kremlin to disseminate its narratives. For many Russians, Telegram remains one of the few platforms where they can access news about the ongoing war.
Pressure from Several Governments
Despite facing scrutiny from French authorities and various governments worldwide regarding the platform’s moderation practices, Durov has consistently defended Telegram’s stance. He asserts that while some governments have attempted to exert pressure, the app, which boasts around 900 million active users, should remain a “neutral platform” rather than become embroiled in geopolitical conflicts.
Durov, whose wealth is estimated by Forbes at $15.5 billion, has yet to comment on his arrest. Meanwhile, the Russian embassy in France has denied any prior knowledge of the situation, stating to the Russian state news agency TASS that they had not been contacted by Durov’s team but were taking “immediate” steps to clarify the circumstances surrounding his detention.
(With REUTERS Inputs)
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