Pavel Durov, the CEO and founder of Telegram, has spoken out for the first time since his arrest in France last month, addressing his users through the official Telegram channel.
Introduction
Durov commented on his legal issues in France, where he faces serious charges. He mentioned that he is still trying to understand what happened and has made it his personal goal to prevent abusers from interfering with the future of Telegram's 950+ million users.
Privacy Under Scrutiny
According to Durov, Telegram has established channels for handling requests from law enforcement agencies. He criticized French authorities for bypassing these channels and addressing him personally. The Telegram CEO argued that using outdated legal frameworks to hold a CEO accountable for third-party activities on their platform is a flawed approach.
Legal and Regulatory Responses
The legal trouble for Durov began in August 2024, when he was detained in France amid an investigation into serious allegations, including child sexual abuse images and drug trafficking. Although he was granted bail, the conditions include regular reporting to police and restrictions on his movement. Durov’s arrest ignited an international debate about freedom of speech and privacy, involving figures such as Elon Musk and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Despite these challenges, Durov remains steadfast in his defense of Telegram’s privacy policies and operational practices. He also hinted at potential changes in Telegram’s market strategy, suggesting that the platform may withdraw from markets that compromise its core principles.
Comments