Pavel Durov, the 39-year-old founder and CEO of Telegram, remains in French custody as authorities have extended his detention until August 28, 2024. The Paris prosecutor’s office has officially revealed 12 charges against Durov, stemming from a judicial investigation opened on July 8 after preliminary inquiries by the Paris Cybercrime Unit.The charges against Durov are extensive and severe, including complicity in the administration of an online platform for illicit transactions by organized gangs, refusal to cooperate with authorities by sharing necessary documents or information to prevent illegal acts, and complicity in scams and drug trafficking. Additionally, he is being investigated for complicity in the possession and dissemination of child pornography, money laundering, and four crimes related to the operation and encryption of his application.French President Emmanuel Macron has addressed the situation, emphasizing that Durov’s arrest is ‘in no way a political decision’ but rather part of an ongoing judicial investigation. Macron stated, ‘France has never been more committed to freedom of expression and communication, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It will remain so’.Telegram has responded to the situation, maintaining that the platform ‘complies with EU laws, including the Digital Services Act’ and that ‘its moderation is within industry standards and constantly improving’. The company stated, ‘It is absurd to suggest that a platform or its owner is responsible for the abuse of the platform itself’.The case has sparked international debate about platform responsibility and freedom of speech, with figures like Elon Musk criticizing the arrest and arguing that freedom of speech in Europe is under threat. As the investigation unfolds, the case continues to raise important questions about the balance between online privacy, freedom of expression, and the responsibility of platform owners in moderating content and cooperating with law enforcement.
Key points
- Pavel Durov, Telegram’s CEO, faces 12 charges in France, including complicity in child exploitation and money laundering.
- French authorities have extended Durov’s detention until August 28, 2024.
- President Macron insists the arrest is not political, but part of an ongoing judicial investigation.
- The case sparks debate on platform responsibility and freedom of speech in the digital age.
Contradictions👾While Telegram claims compliance with EU laws and industry-standard moderation, French authorities accuse Durov of refusing to cooperate and allowing criminal activities on the platform.
