Pavel Durov, the 39-year-old founder and CEO of Telegram, remains in French custody as authorities have extended his detention by an additional 48 hours until August 28, 2024. The Paris prosecutor’s office has revealed 12 specific charges against Durov, including complicity in drug trafficking, child exploitation, and fraudulent activities on the Telegram platform. These charges range from coordinating an online platform to facilitate illegal transactions to providing encryption tools without proper declarations.The case has sparked international debate and diplomatic tensions. Russian officials have criticized France’s actions, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warning that if France doesn’t provide substantial evidence, the case could be considered political. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested that French authorities arrested Durov ‘on someone’s advice, hoping to get access to the encryption codes’ of Telegram.Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron continues to insist that the arrest is ‘in no way a political decision’ but rather part of an ongoing judicial investigation. The United Arab Emirates, where Durov also holds citizenship, has requested consular access.Interestingly, Telegram’s popularity has surged since Durov’s arrest, with a reported 4% increase in downloads worldwide and a significant rise in France. This suggests a potential backfire effect of the authorities’ actions. As the investigation continues, the case raises important questions about platform responsibility, freedom of speech, and the geopolitical implications of regulating global communication platforms.
Key points
- Pavel Durov’s detention in France has been extended by 48 hours, with 12 specific charges revealed by the Paris prosecutor’s office.
- Russian officials criticize France’s actions, suggesting political motivations and potential U.
- Telegram’s popularity has increased since Durov’s arrest, with a 4% rise in global downloads.
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involvement.
Contradictions👾While French President Macron insists the arrest is not political, Russian officials suggest it may be politically motivated.
👾Telegram claims to comply with EU laws, but French authorities accuse Durov of multiple violations.
