- Telegram founder Pavel Durov was arrested on terrorism charges.
- Durov denies allegations and claims unfair targeting of the platform.
- Case sparks debate on tech companies’ role in combating extremism.
After a week of his arrest, Telegram founder Pavel Durov released a statement claiming that the social media platform was unfairly targeted and that it has taken significant steps to combat extremism. “We have been unfairly targeted by authorities who seem to misunderstand the nature of our platform,” Durov said. “Telegram is a tool for communication, and it is up to individuals to use it responsibly. We have always been committed to fighting extremism, and we have taken significant steps to do so.”
He refuted charges that the French authorities received no response from the platform. “Telegram has an official representation in the EU. Its email address has been publicly available for anyone in the EU who googles Telegram EU address for law enforcement.”
Regarding rumors of his visit, Durov clarified that he is a frequent visitor at the French consulate in Dubai. He came down heavily on the “misguided” approach of the French authorities, arguing that it is unfair to charge a CEO with crimes committed by third parties on the platform. The Telegram founder insisted that it remains committed to engaging with regulators to find the right balance between privacy and security.
Telegram’s CTO Arrest Sparks Debate on Privacy vs. Security
As reported earlier, the entrepreneur was arrested by French authorities on allegations of facilitating terrorism through his messaging app. The arrest comes after weeks of investigations into the platform’s role in extremist activities. The move sparked widespread debate about the role of technology companies in combating terrorism. Some argue that platforms like Telegram have a responsibility to do more to prevent their services from being used by extremists. Others contend that such efforts could undermine privacy and freedom of expression.
As the investigation into Durov continues, the future of Telegram remains uncertain. If found guilty, Durov could face significant jail time and fines. The case is expected to have far-reaching implications for the tech industry and the global debate on online extremism. Durov, who has been a vocal critic of government surveillance, has denied all charges.
