Telegram Founder Ensures French Police He Has Nothing to Hide

August 26, 2024 TruthUSA

Telegram’s CEO and co-founder, Pavel Durov, has been detained in France. However, the company asserts that it operates in compliance with EU laws and has done nothing wrong.

Telegram released a statement affirming that Pavel Durov, who was arrested in France as part of a police inquiry, has “nothing to hide.” The app operates in accordance with European Union laws.

The 39-year-old Russian-born billionaire, along with his brother Nikolai, co-founded Telegram in 2013. Durov was taken into custody at Le Bourget airport in Paris following his arrival from Azerbaijan.

Based in Dubai, Telegram stated that its moderation practices meet industry standards and are continuously improving. The company emphasized that Pavel Durov has no secrets and frequently travels within Europe.

The French authorities have not issued any comments regarding Durov’s arrest. Still, local media reports suggest that an arrest warrant was issued citing allegations of money laundering, drug trafficking, and the dissemination of child abuse-related content on Telegram.

Durov, possessing French and UAE citizenship, co-founded the app with his expert in encryption brother. Critics have raised concerns about Telegram’s lack of content moderation.

Recently, following unrest in England, a government minister expressed worry over immigration-related content circulating on Telegram.

Telegram boasts approximately one billion users and has significant influence in several countries, particularly those in the former Soviet Union. It ranks among the largest social media platforms globally, alongside Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and WeChat.

Pavel Durov’s arrest has prompted concerns over free speech infringement in Europe, as highlighted by Rumble’s owner.

Rumble’s owner, Chris Pavlovski, condemned the arrest as a violation of freedom of expression and pledged to advocate for Durov’s release through legal means.

Reposts of Pavlovski’s statements by X owner Elon Musk emphasized the importance of upholding free speech.

The Russian government has also criticized Durov’s arrest, citing double standards on freedom of speech in the West.

Telegram’s history of encryption makes it a target for French authorities, as demonstrated by the hacking incidents involving Sky ECC and EncroChat.

The ongoing scrutiny of encrypted networks by French authorities, with parallels drawn to past cases involving Sky Global and EncroChat, raises concerns about data privacy and national security.

Associated Press and Reuters provided additional contributions to this report.

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