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Messaging app Telegram stated that its chief executive has “nothing to hide” after French authorities detained Pavel Durov for alleged failures in content moderation. The Russia-born billionaire was arrested at Paris-Le Bourget airport when he arrived in the country on his private jet from Azerbaijan on Saturday evening. According to French news agency AFP, Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed an active investigation into Durov, who is alleged to have failed to moderate criminal activity on the platform adequately.
Telegram, based in Dubai, stated that its moderation is within industry standards and constantly improving, following EU laws like the Digital Services Act. This legislation, effective this year, commands platforms to police harmful content and disinformation more rigorously to avoid penalties or restrictions within the EU.
French authorities have been examining whether Telegram’s moderation failures facilitated illegal activities such as terrorism, drug peddling, and child exploitation. Durov, known as the “Mark Zuckerberg of Russia”, co-founded VKontakte in 2007 before fleeing Russia in 2014. Telegram, founded in 2013, has grown in popularity and raised concerns about illicit activities and extremism.
Durov’s detainment marked a significant national action against a social media chief and intensified the global debate on online safety versus free speech. Some researchers warned that Telegram had become a hub for illicit activities and extremism. Despite having dual French-Emirati citizenship, Durov’s Russian roots sparked calls for his release from lawmakers in Moscow, criticizing the arrest as politically motivated.
In recent years, Durov has distanced himself and Telegram from Russia amid concerns about Kremlin influence. Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev suggested that Durov’s attempt to become a “citizen of the world” backfired due to his Russian heritage.
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