France’s Macron says arrest of the head of the Telegram messaging app wasn’t political – ABC News
French President Emmanuel Macron has insisted that the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov is not a political move, but rather a part of an independent investigation. Durov, the founder of the popular messaging app, was detained on Saturday at Le Bourget airport in Paris. French authorities are looking into serious criminal allegations involving Telegram, including its potential role in money laundering and drug trafficking.
The Paris prosecutor’s office, on Monday, confirmed that Durov is under investigation for twelve criminal violations. These charges include complicity in distributing child sexual abuse material, involvement in drug trafficking, fraud, and organized crime. Investigators are also accusing him of refusing to cooperate with law enforcement by withholding critical information from them.
Durov’s arrest has sparked global attention, with some questioning whether the move was politically driven. The CEO of Telegram, a platform that boasts nearly a billion users worldwide, has been a significant figure in the tech world. Given his Russian origins and his previous clashes with the Russian government, the arrest has raised eyebrows.
Macron took to social media platform X on Monday to address these concerns. He stated that while France is committed to upholding freedom of expression, these freedoms must operate within a legal framework to ensure the protection of its citizens. Macron emphasized that the arrest was not politically motivated, adding that it is up to the judiciary to decide Durov’s fate.
Despite these assurances, the arrest has led to sharp criticism from Russia. Kremlin officials have voiced their outrage, accusing Western governments of hypocrisy when it comes to free speech. The criticism comes even as Russia itself attempted to block Telegram in 2018, only to backtrack in 2020. The Russian government’s recent stance on Durov’s detention has left many questioning the motivations behind their outrage.
Durov, a dual citizen of several countries, including Russia and France, has a complicated history with government authorities. In the past, he has spoken out about refusing demands from Russian officials to hand over personal user data and to remove opposition-related content from a social networking platform he founded, VKontakte. These events played a significant role in his decision to leave Russia in 2013.
Telegram’s reputation as a pro-privacy messaging app has made it popular not only in Russia but also in Ukraine, where it is widely used by both the media and government officials. Its encryption and lack of strict moderation have allowed it to become a trusted platform for sharing critical information, particularly during times of war. However, the very features that make Telegram appealing to those seeking privacy have also made it a target for law enforcement agencies worldwide.
French authorities have extended Durov’s detention until at least Wednesday, giving investigators more time to decide whether to charge him or release him. Under French law, he can be held for questioning for up to four days. During this period, the Russian embassy has demanded access to Durov, but French officials have denied their request, citing his French citizenship.
In response to Durov’s arrest, Telegram issued a statement expressing confidence that the situation will be resolved quickly. The company stated that it complies with European Union laws and operates within industry standards. They argued that holding a platform or its owner responsible for users’ illegal activities is unjust, especially with such a large global user base.
Adding to the controversy, billionaire Elon Musk, the owner of X, publicly showed his support for Durov. He posted “#freePavel” on his platform, reaffirming his stance as a self-proclaimed free speech absolutist. Musk’s post has fueled further discussion about the balance between free speech and content moderation in the digital age.
Telegram has faced criticism from Western governments in the past for its content moderation policies, or lack thereof. Authorities argue that the platform’s leniency has made it a safe haven for illegal activities, including drug trafficking and the sharing of illicit material. In 2022, Germany fined Telegram $5 million for failing to comply with regulations on illegal content reporting and communication with local authorities. Brazil also briefly suspended the platform last year for not sharing data related to a police investigation into neo-Nazi activity.
As the investigation into Durov’s case continues, it remains to be seen how this will impact Telegram and its vast user base. The legal challenges ahead are significant, and Durov’s fate now rests in the hands of French judges. However, the political implications and the international response, particularly from Russia, suggest that this story is far from over. Durov’s next few days in custody could shape the future of Telegram and its role in the ongoing global debate over privacy, free speech, and regulation.
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