Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Arrested in Paris
The founder and CEO of the popular messaging service Telegram, Pavel Durov, was detained at Paris-Le Bourget Airport on Saturday on an arrest warrant alleging that his platform has been used for various illicit activities, including money laundering, drug trafficking, and crimes against minors, as per French media reports.
Durov, a dual citizen of France and Russia, was taken into custody upon landing in France from Azerbaijan. French prosecutors did not comment on the case, citing an ongoing investigation.
Telegram, founded by Durov in response to the Russian government’s crackdown on digital freedoms, has been a beacon of free communication for millions of users globally. Despite facing challenges from authorities, Telegram remains a popular platform for secure messaging and news delivery.
While Western governments have criticized Telegram for its lax content moderating policies, supporters of Durov, including Elon Musk, have rallied behind him, calling for his release. Russian officials have decried the arrest, highlighting what they perceive as a double standard in Western freedom of speech principles.
Telegram has emphasized its compliance with EU laws and commitment to improving content moderation. The company asserts that it actively fights misuse of its platform and removes harmful content on a daily basis.
In a statement, Telegram expressed confidence in a prompt resolution of the situation and reiterated its dedication to providing a secure communication channel for users worldwide.
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