Telegram raised concerns after French authorities arrested its CEO, Pavel Durov, at a Paris airport over the weekend. On Monday, Telegram emphasized on X that it complies with EU laws, including the Digital Services Act. The platform highlighted that its content moderation practices align with industry standards and are continually improving. Telegram also mentioned that Durov, who travels frequently across Europe, has “nothing to hide.”
Durov’s Detention and Telegram’s Response
French authorities detained Durov at Bourget airport near Paris after he arrived from Azerbaijan on his private jet. The arrest stemmed from an investigation into whether Telegram’s content moderation allowed criminal activities such as terrorism and trafficking. While authorities have not formally charged Durov, the investigation remains focused on Telegram’s policies.
Telegram responded by stating that holding a platform or its owner responsible for misuse by others is unreasonable. The company reiterated that it follows EU regulations, and Durov has no secrets, reinforcing their commitment to privacy and compliance.
Impact on Telegram-Linked Toncoin
Durov’s arrest triggered a significant drop in Telegram-linked Toncoin, which plunged by 17%. The token continued to decline, with a 1.1% decrease on Monday, reflecting the market’s reaction to the news.
French Authorities Extend Pavel Durov’s Detention
French judicial authorities extended Durov’s detention on Sunday, allowing for a more detailed investigation. The Russian Embassy in Paris requested clarification from French authorities regarding Durov’s arrest. They also called for the protection of his rights and access to consular support.
The incident sparked a broader debate on balancing free speech, privacy, and content moderation. Critics argue that arresting a platform owner over user-generated content sets a dangerous precedent for internet freedom. Others believe the situation highlights the need for stricter regulations on digital platforms.
Durov’s Stance on Governmental Influence and Data Privacy
In April, Durov, with a net worth estimated at $15.5 billion by Forbes, revealed that various governments tried to influence him. He firmly stated that Telegram should remain neutral and avoid geopolitical conflicts. Durov’s commitment to privacy and neutrality stems from past experiences with the Russian government.
In 2014, Durov left Russia after refusing to comply with demands to delete opposition politicians’ content and hand over user data on his previous platform, VK (formerly VKontakte). His resistance led to his removal from VK and his departure from Russia. This experience motivated Durov to create an encrypted messaging app, with his brother Nikolai designing the encryption. Although Durov has not confirmed whether he renounced his Russian citizenship, he remains committed to maintaining the integrity of his platform.
“I would rather be free than take orders from anyone,” Durov stated in April, reflecting on his decision to leave Russia and establish a new base for his company.
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