Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Detained in France Over Moderation Failures: Company Defends Him
Arrest Details
Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, was arrested on Saturday at an airport north of Paris. The arrest follows a warrant related to allegations of insufficient platform moderation. Durov is accused of failing to address criminal activities including drug trafficking, child exploitation, and fraud.
Telegram’s Response
In response to the arrest, Telegram stated that its moderation practices meet industry standards and are continually improving. The company argued, “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform.” Telegram emphasized its adherence to European Union laws, including the Digital Services Act, aimed at ensuring online safety.
Current Status and Detention
Durov’s detention has been extended and could last up to 96 hours. The 39-year-old, originally from Russia and now based in Dubai, holds citizenship in both the United Arab Emirates and France. Telegram is popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet states. The app was previously banned in Russia in 2018 due to Durov’s refusal to comply with data requests; the ban was lifted in 2021.
Russian Reaction
Russia’s foreign ministry has voiced concerns over Durov’s detention. The Russian embassy in France is seeking clarification and ensuring Durov’s rights are upheld. The embassy criticized French authorities for not cooperating with Russian officials.
Criticism and Controversy
Telegram has faced criticism for hosting extremist content. Critics argue that the platform’s large group sizes, which can include up to 200,000 members, facilitate the spread of misinformation and illegal content. In the UK, Telegram was scrutinized for hosting far-right channels involved in recent violent incidents. While Telegram has removed some problematic groups, cybersecurity experts note that its moderation practices are less effective compared to other major social media platforms.
