French authorities have officially charged Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in connection with allegations that his messaging app has facilitated criminal activities.
The charges, handed down on Wednesday, include claims that the platform has been used for sharing child sexual abuse material and enabling drug trafficking. Durov, detained at Le Bourget airport near Paris over the weekend, is now barred from leaving France as the investigation continues.
Durov’s arrest and subsequent charges have sparked a global debate, with reactions ranging from support from free speech advocates to criticism from authoritarian regimes. The case underscores the broader challenges of regulating illegal activities online and the complexities surrounding Durov’s unique background, given that he holds multiple passports and citizenships.
After four days of questioning, Durov was released on Wednesday, but the Paris prosecutor’s office has placed stringent conditions on his freedom. He is required to pay a €5 million bail and report to a police station twice a week.
According to the prosecutor’s office, the preliminary charges include “complicity in managing an online platform to allow illicit transactions by an organized group.” This charge could carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of €500,000.
These preliminary charges indicate substantial evidence to suggest a crime may have been committed, though further investigation is necessary to determine the full extent of the alleged activities. The French authorities initiated their investigation in February after citing Telegram’s “near total absence of response” when judicial requests for data were made, particularly in cases involving crimes against children.
Durov’s arrest has caused an uproar in Russia, with some government officials labelling the move as politically motivated and accusing the West of double standards regarding freedom of speech. This is particularly ironic given that in 2018, Russian authorities attempted to block Telegram, but they eventually lifted the ban in 2020 after failing to enforce it effectively.
In Iran, where Telegram remains widely used despite an official ban, Durov’s arrest prompted comments from the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who praised France for taking a “strict” approach to internet governance.
French President Emmanuel Macron responded to the controversy by asserting that Durov’s arrest was not politically motivated but rather part of an independent legal investigation. Macron emphasized France’s commitment to freedom of expression while stressing that such freedoms must operate within a legal framework that protects citizens and upholds their fundamental rights.
In a statement released on its platform following Durov’s arrest, Telegram defended its practices, asserting that it complies with EU laws and that its content moderation practices align with industry standards. The company criticized the notion that a platform or its owner should be held responsible for its users’ misuse of the platform.
Durov’s complex citizenship, which includes ties to Russia, France, the United Arab Emirates, and the Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis, has further complicated the situation.
The UAE Foreign Ministry has indicated that it is closely monitoring the case and has requested that France provide Durov with the necessary consular services.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has also weighed in, expressing hope that Durov will have adequate legal defence opportunities and noting that Russia is ready to offer assistance if needed despite the complexities posed by Durov’s multiple citizenships.
Telegram was founded by Durov and his brother following Durov’s departure from Russia, where he faced pressure from authorities over his previous social media venture, VKontakte. The Russian government had demanded that VKontakte remove content from opposition activists and share user data with authorities, demands that Durov refused before ultimately leaving the country.
Since its inception, Telegram has been known for its pro-privacy solid stance, making it a popular choice for secure communication in countries with repressive governments. The platform remains widely used in Ukraine, where it serves as a vital source of information, particularly during times of conflict, and is used to issue missile and air raid alerts.
Despite its popularity, Telegram has faced criticism from Western governments for its perceived lack of content moderation, which has now become the focal point of the ongoing legal battle in France.
