Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Arrested in Paris Over Allegations of Platform Abuse

CosmicTaco · 2024-08-30T12:44:06.465793+05:30

- Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of Telegram, was arrested in Paris over the weekend on allegations of his platform being used for illicit activities, including drug trafficking and distribution of child sexual abuse images. - Telegram stated it abides by EU laws and its content moderation is **within industry standards and constantly improving**. The company added that Durov **has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe**. - Durov's lawyer, David-Olivier Kaminski, called the allegations **absurd**, stating that it is unreasonable to hold a platform or its boss responsible for any abuse carried out on the platform. - French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that Durov's arrest was **in no way a political decision** and that the investigation was initiated by judicial authorities. - On Wednesday, French prosecutors formally charged Durov and banned him from leaving the country, although he was allowed to walk free after four days under arrest.

Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of Telegram, was arrested in Paris over the weekend on allegations of his platform being used for illicit activities, including drug trafficking and distribution of child sexual abuse images.
Telegram stated it abides by EU laws and its content moderation is within industry standards and constantly improving. The company added that Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe.
Durov's lawyer, David-Olivier Kaminski, called the allegations absurd, stating that it is unreasonable to hold a platform or its boss responsible for any abuse carried out on the platform.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that Durov's arrest was in no way a political decision and that the investigation was initiated by judicial authorities.
On Wednesday, French prosecutors formally charged Durov and banned him from leaving the country, although he was allowed to walk free after four days under arrest.