Pavel Durov, the Russian-French billionaire founder and CEO of the popular Telegram messaging app, was arrested at Bourget Airport outside Paris on Saturday evening, according to reports by TF1 TV and BFM TV, both citing unnamed sources.
Durov, who was traveling aboard his private jet, was reportedly targeted by an arrest warrant in France as part of an ongoing preliminary police investigation. The investigation is said to focus on the lack of adequate moderation on Telegram, which authorities believe has allowed criminal activities to proliferate unchecked on the platform.
Telegram, known for its encrypted messaging service, boasts nearly one billion users globally. And it holds significant influence in Russia, Ukraine, and the former Soviet republics. The platform is considered one of the major social media networks worldwide, alongside Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and WeChat.
The French Interior Ministry and police have declined to comment on the arrest or the investigation. Telegram is also yet to respond to requests for comment.
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Durov’s arrest raises significant concerns about the balance between privacy, encryption, and the prevention of illegal activities on digital platforms. It sparks a broader debate on the responsibilities of social media companies in moderating content.
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