After being released from prison, Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, is now under judicial supervision with strict conditions imposed on him. These conditions include posting a €5 million bond, remaining within French territory, and checking in with the police station twice a week. The Paris Judicial Court has formally charged Durov with six offenses, such as “complicity in the management of an online platform allowing illegal transactions in an organized gang,” money laundering, and failure to cooperate with authorities.
The French anti-organized crime authority, JUNALCO, initiated the legal action against Durov after he failed to respond to judicial requests from various investigative services. The investigation involves allegations related to drug trafficking, child sexual content, and fraud. The French Center for the Fight Against Digital Crime and the National Anti-Fraud Customs Office will oversee the ongoing investigations. Additionally, French prosecutors have raised concerns about Telegram’s failure to register its encrypted messaging services with the French government.
Telegram has been known for its encrypted messaging services and Pavel Durov’s advocacy for free speech. However, the platform has faced criticism from child safety groups for allegedly facilitating illegal activities. Despite employing moderators, AI, and user reports to combat Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) on public channels, Telegram lacks a mechanism for reporting illegal content in private chats. This has raised concerns about the platform’s role in enabling illicit activities.
The arrest of Pavel Durov has sparked reactions from various quarters, with free speech advocates condemning it as a violation of human rights. Some industry figures have questioned whether other social media platforms’ leaders would also be held accountable for misuse on their platforms. Speculations have arisen that French authorities might be seeking to control or access communications on Telegram. However, French President Emmanuel Macron has clarified that Durov’s arrest is part of a legal process without any political motives.
Pavel Durov’s legal troubles and the allegations against Telegram have put the spotlight on the platform’s operations and its stance on content moderation. The ongoing investigations and reactions from different stakeholders indicate a complex interplay between free speech, platform responsibility, and law enforcement efforts in combating online illegal activities.