The arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France over the weekend has brought attention to the messaging service and its founder. Durov was detained on a warrant related to Telegram’s lack of moderation, with accusations that the platform was used by fraudsters, money launderers, drug traffickers, and individuals spreading child sexual exploitation content. The app has also been criticized for its use by terrorist groups and far-right extremists, prompting debates on freedom of speech and responsibility for illicit content on the internet. Some, like Russian lawmaker Maria Butina, have called Durov a “political prisoner,” while French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that the arrest was not politically motivated but part of an ongoing judicial investigation.
Telegram is an encrypted messaging service launched in 2013 by Durov and his brother, Nikolai. With over 950 million users, the app has become one of the most popular messaging platforms globally. It is used for various purposes, from daily chatting and sharing photos to disseminating government messages. The platform’s encryption means that conversations are private, making it a crucial communication tool in countries where freedom of speech is restricted. However, the same privacy protections have led to concerns about the app’s use by criminals, extremists, and terrorist groups like ISIS.
The platform has faced scrutiny for its role in major conflicts and political events, as well as its refusal to compromise on encryption. In the past, Moscow attempted to ban Telegram for not providing decryption keys to Russian security services, but the ban was lifted in 2020. Telegram’s popularity among Trump supporters and followers of the Q-Anon conspiracy theory in 2021 raised concerns about disinformation leading to real-world violence. The app has also been involved in conflicts such as restricting access to Hamas-related channels and removing calls to violence after reports of far-right riots in the UK.
Durov, a billionaire founder and CEO of Telegram, launched the app in 2013 after leaving Russia. Previously, he founded Vkontakte (VK), a social media site often referred to as the “Mark Zuckerberg of Russia.” Durov’s decision to leave VK and Russia came after refusing to hand over private data of Ukrainian users to the Kremlin during protests against Ukraine’s pro-Russian president. He now resides in Dubai, where Telegram is headquartered, and holds French citizenship. In addition to running Telegram, Durov is known for sharing images of his travels on Instagram and claims to have fathered over 100 children through sperm donations.
The ongoing debate surrounding Telegram highlights the complexities of balancing freedom of speech and responsibility for online content. While the platform’s encryption provides privacy for users in restrictive countries, it also poses challenges in dealing with illicit activities. Durov’s arrest in France adds another layer to the discussion, with differing views on whether it was politically motivated or part of a legitimate investigation. As Telegram continues to evolve and address concerns about its use, the platform and its founder remain at the center of debates on internet regulation and security.
