Paris, France - Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder and CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, was arrested at Le Bourget Airport near Paris on Saturday evening, August 24, according to French media outlets TF1 TV and BFM TV.
About Telegram
Telegram is widely used in Russia, Ukraine, and several countries that were part of the former Soviet Union. It is one of the leading social media platforms, following giants like Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and WeChat. The app, based in Dubai, aims to reach one billion users next year. It was founded by Durov, a Russian-born entrepreneur who left Russia in 2014 after refusing government orders to close opposition groups on his VK social media platform, which he later sold.
Details of the Arrest
According to TF1, Durov was traveling on his private jet when he was detained. Reports say that his arrest is linked to an investigation in France concerning the lack of moderation on Telegram, which allegedly allows criminal activities to continue unchecked.
Reactions and Comments
Telegram did not immediately respond to requests for comments. Similarly, the French Interior Ministry and police have not provided any statements on the matter.
Impact of Telegram During the Ukraine War
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Telegram has been a key platform for sharing unfiltered and sometimes misleading content related to the war. It is a primary communication tool for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his officials, as well as the Kremlin and Russian government. It remains one of the few sources where Russians can access news about the ongoing conflict.
Durov's Position
Durov, whose net worth is estimated at $15.5 billion by Forbes, has stated that some governments have tried to pressure him but insists that Telegram should remain a "neutral platform" and not be involved in geopolitical issues.
International Reactions
After news of the arrest, Russia's embassy in France said it had not been contacted by Durov's team but was taking steps to clarify the situation. Russian representatives and politicians, including Mikhail Ulyanov, criticized France's actions, with some accusing the country of authoritarian behavior. Calls for protests at French embassies worldwide were made by several Russian bloggers.
Conclusion
As of now, the situation remains unclear, and further details are awaited from both Telegram and French authorities.
