Pavel Durov, Telegram CEO, Arrested in France Over Moderation Issues
Understanding the Arrest of Pavel Durov
Pavel Durov, billionaire founder and CEO of the Telegram messaging app, was arrested at Bourget airport outside Paris on Saturday evening. The French investigation focuses on a lack of moderators on Telegram, which has allowed criminal activity to thrive on the platform.
The Context of Durov's Arrest
According to TF1 and BFM TV, Durov had traveled from Azerbaijan aboard his private plane and was detained due to a police investigation surrounding Telegram's moderation policies. The messaging app is particularly influential in Russia, Ukraine, and in former Soviet republics, reaching 900 million active users.
Telegram's Role in Global Communications
- This platform has become crucial for communications during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, serving as a source of unedited information.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Kremlin use Telegram to communicate with their audiences.
After being pressured by some governments, Durov stated that Telegram aims to be a neutral platform and should not engage in geopolitical conflicts. Post-arrest, Russia's embassy in France called for immediate clarification on the arrest, condemning France for its actions.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.