Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of messaging app Telegram, was arrested in Paris on 24 August over allegations of lack of content moderation and the platform being used for illicit activity like drug trafficking and distribution of child sexual abuse images. Durov has consistently refused governments worldwide to censor content or provide backdoor access into the app to maintain the app as a neutral platform. Pavel Durov was born in Russia and is a citizen of France, Russia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and the United Arab Emirates.
Concerns raised about Telegram
Telegram, launched in 2013, has 950 million active users and allows one-on-one conversations, group chats, and large ‘channels’ that let people broadcast messages to subscribers. The app provides encryption, but it is not enabled by default. Additionally, group chats and broadcast channels do not have end-to-end encryption, meaning messages sent would be accessible to Telegram.
Experts have raised concerns regarding the spread of misinformation due to the app allowing large group chats of as many as 200,000 people. Researchers have condemned the app for not acting against channels that have served as recruiting hubs for terrorist organizations like ISIS. The app has also faced increased scrutiny from several European countries, including France, over security and data breach concerns.
Telegram has reportedly been a critical source of information in Russia, Ukraine, and former Soviet republics and is widely used by officials involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Updates and reactions over the arrest
- On 26 August, authorities in Paris announced that Durov continues to be detained in connection to a criminal investigation into the app’s failure to cooperate with law enforcement requests. The investigation began on 08 July and involves various charges related to alleged money laundering, violations related to the import and export of encryption, and complicity in drug trafficking, possession, and distribution of child pornography. Under French law, authorities can detain Durov for questioning until 28 August.
- French President Emmanuel Macron stated on 26 August that the arrest was part of an ongoing judicial investigation and refuted the claims of it being a political arrest.
- In a statement on its platform, Telegram has assured that the app abides by the European Union laws and spoken up against Durov being held responsible for people who abuse the platform.
- Many free speech advocates, including Elon Musk, have criticized the arrest and called it a form of censorship. Russian government officials have also condemned the arrest.
Potential impact of Durov’s arrest
The arrest of Durov by the French authorities has increased scrutiny on Telegram and could undermine the platform. It highlights the issue of the level of moderation required by social media and messaging apps to combat misinformation and harmful content. The arrest also raises the question of whether the owner of an app can be held responsible for the platform being used for illicit activities and government influence. It may lead other messaging apps to adopt universal end-to-end encryptions and more moderation. Protests by free speech advocates cannot be ruled out, which may lead to heightened security measures.
