Pavel Durov
Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov recently criticized French authorities for his arrest and subsequent charges related to the publication of extremist and illegal content on Telegram.
This criticism, which marks Durov’s first public comment since the arrest last month, was shared in a detailed post on his own messaging platform.
Durov expressed surprise and dismay at being held accountable for content posted by others on Telegram. He emphasized the misguided nature of charging a CEO for crimes committed by third parties on a platform, especially using outdated laws that predate the smartphone era.
“Using laws from the pre-smartphone era to charge a CEO with crimes committed by third parties on the platform he manages is a misguided approach,” Durov wrote, highlighting the disconnect between modern digital realities and outdated legal frameworks.
Addressing the portrayal of Telegram as “some sort of anarchic paradise,” Durov firmly denied such claims, calling them “absolutely untrue.” He pointed out that Telegram actively removes millions of harmful posts and channels daily, signaling the platform’s commitment to maintaining a safer environment.
Moreover, Durov countered accusations that Telegram was uncooperative with French authorities, revealing that he had personally facilitated a hotline with French law enforcement to help combat terrorism threats in the country.
While criticizing his arrest, Durov struck a more reconciliatory tone later in his message, acknowledging the challenges Telegram faces due to its rapid growth. With a user base of 950 million worldwide, he admitted that this surge had created “growing pains,” making it easier for malicious actors to exploit the platform.
Durov expressed his personal commitment to addressing these issues and promised significant improvements in the future, stating, “I made it my personal goal to ensure we significantly improve things in this regard.” He hinted at ongoing internal efforts to enhance Telegram’s safety measures and promised to share more details later.
Looking ahead, Durov expressed a hope that his recent experience would lead to a stronger and safer environment on Telegram and across the social networking industry.
He stressed that when disagreements arise with local regulators about finding the right balance between privacy and security, Telegram is prepared to exit the country rather than compromise its principles.
Durov, 39, was arrested on August 24 at Le Bourget airport near Paris and was charged with several counts related to Telegram’s failure to control extremist and illegal content.
Released on conditional bail of five million euros ($5.5 million), Durov must report to a police station twice weekly and remain in France.
Known for his enigmatic persona and aversion to public speaking, Durov holds citizenship in Russia, France, and the United Arab Emirates, where Telegram is headquartered.
Forbes magazine estimates his net worth at $15.5 billion, though Durov is known for promoting an austere lifestyle that includes ice baths and abstaining from alcohol and coffee.
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