Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, was detained at an airport north of Paris on Saturday, sparking a major controversy over the platform’s moderation practices. French authorities arrested Durov under a warrant related to alleged insufficient moderation on Telegram. The investigation focuses on claims that Durov failed to address criminal activities on the app, including drug trafficking, child sexual exploitation, and fraud.
Telegram has vigorously defended its CEO, asserting that its moderation practices meet industry standards and are continuously improving. In a statement, the company described the allegations as “absurd” and emphasized that neither the platform nor its owner should be held accountable for misuse by some users.
The situation has drawn significant attention due to the app’s global reach. Telegram is used by nearly a billion people worldwide for communication and vital information, and the company insists that it complies with European Union regulations, including the Digital Services Act, which aims to ensure online safety and accountability.
Durov’s detention has been extended and could last up to 96 hours,according to judicial sources cited by AFP. The 39-year-old CEO, who was born in Russia and now resides in Dubai, holds dual citizenship in the UAE and France. Telegram is notably popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet states.
Critics argue that Telegram’s moderation system is weaker compared to other major social media platforms, pointing to recent issues such as the hosting of far-right channels and extremist content. Despite these challenges, Telegram maintains that it is committed to improving its oversight mechanisms.
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