Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder and CEO of Telegram, was arrested at Bourget Airport near Paris on Saturday evening after an outstanding arrest warrant was issued as part of a preliminary police investigation. The French authorities’ probe is focused on a lack of moderators on Telegram, which allegedly allowed criminal activity to go unchecked on the messaging app.
Pavel Durov, a 39-year-old Russian-born entrepreneur, founded Telegram in 2013 and has since made it one of the most popular messaging apps in the world. With over 500 million monthly active users, Telegram is a significant player in the global tech landscape. The app’s popularity has been fueled by its focus on user privacy and security, as well as its ability to bypass censorship in countries with strict internet regulations.
The Investigation:
The French authorities’ investigation into Telegram is centered on the app’s lack of moderators, which has allegedly allowed criminal activity to go unchecked on the platform. The investigation is still ongoing, and it is unclear what specific allegations have been leveled against Telegram.
Durov’s Response:
Pavel Durov has not publicly commented on his arrest, but he has been vocal about his commitment to user privacy and freedom. In an interview with US journalist Tucker Carlson earlier this year, Durov stated that he preferred freedom over following orders and that he did not own major assets such as real estate, jets, or yachts.
The International Implications:
Durov’s arrest has significant implications for international relations and the tech industry. Russia, which has previously attempted to ban Telegram, has stated that it is taking steps to “clarify” Durov’s situation. The arrest also raises questions about the extent to which governments are willing to go to regulate and control online platforms.