Pavel Durov, founder of the messaging platform Telegram, criticized the ongoing criminal case against him, stating that French investigators failed to find any wrongdoing even a year after his arrest.
Accusations Against Pavel Durov
Durov described his detention in August 2024 as 'unprecedented,' arguing that holding a tech executive accountable for user-generated content is 'legally and logically absurd.' He emphasized that Telegram has consistently complied with legally binding requests from French authorities and maintained moderation practices in line with industry standards.
Criticism of French Authorities
Durov's arrest drew sharp backlash from human rights groups, digital privacy advocates, and the cryptocurrency community, who accused French authorities of attempting to pressure Telegram into adopting stricter censorship measures. French President Emmanuel Macron defended the government's stance, saying that freedoms must operate within a legal framework to ensure the protection of citizens.
Telegram's Stance on Privacy
Durov reiterated that Telegram will not compromise on user privacy by handing over encryption keys or building backdoors for authorities. The case has since become symbolic of broader debates over digital freedoms, state regulation of social platforms, and the responsibilities of tech leaders in moderating user activity.
For Durov, the legal battle is not just personal but also a test of how far governments can push against global platforms without eroding their own credibility on civil liberties.
