In a move that has sparked much controversy, French judicial authorities decided yesterday, Sunday, to extend the detention of Pavel Durov, the founder of the popular Telegram app, after his arrest at Le Bourget Airport near Paris. Durov, 39, faces accusations related to the use of the app in various crimes, including fraud, drug trafficking, terrorism promotion, and cyberbullying.
The question that arises is: Why did the French authorities choose this particular timing to arrest Durov? Was the arrest based on intelligence or a tip-off?
Durov, the Russian-French billionaire, is a controversial figure, and his arrest comes as part of a broader investigation involving serious accusations. The judge handling the case has decided to extend his detention, which could last up to 96 hours, a crucial period during which a decision will be made to either release him or formally charge him and continue his detention.
What raises further questions are the accusations against Durov for allegedly failing to take necessary measures to curb the “criminal use” of Telegram. Was Durov indeed lenient in monitoring content and preventing crimes on his platform? Or are there other dimensions behind these accusations?
Telegram issued a defensive statement asserting its compliance with European laws, including the Digital Services Act, and deemed it “illogical” to hold the platform or its founder accountable for misuse.
But will this defense be enough to convince the French authorities? And how will the international community react to this situation?
Durov’s arrest has triggered strong reactions from various international parties. The Russian embassy in France harshly criticized the lack of cooperation from the French authorities, while celebrities like Elon Musk called for Durov’s release, emphasizing the importance of protecting freedom of expression.
In this context, it’s worth noting that Durov has a long history of confrontations with government authorities, having left Russia in 2014 after refusing to comply with the Russian government’s demands regarding his previous platform “VK.” Will this confrontation with French authorities mirror the one he experienced in Russia?
Durov currently resides in Dubai, where Telegram’s main headquarters is located, adding another international dimension to this case. Will these events affect Telegram’s future and its dealings with governments around the world? What are the potential implications for the app’s users in France and beyond?
The questions are numerous, and the answers may unfold in the coming days.
