Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Arrested in French Airport Over Alleged Failure to Moderate Content

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was taken into custody on Saturday while passing through a French airport on suspicion of not adequately addressing criminal activity on his social media platform, as reported by various sources. Durov's arrest was made as he was disembarking from his private jet at Le Bourget airport near Paris, according to multiple French outlets.

Reasons for Arrest

The arrest was part of a "preliminary police investigation," as cited by Reuters. Durov has been under mounting pressure to enforce stricter content moderation on Telegram, a task he has been reluctant to undertake.

Legal Proceedings and International Pressure

French media sources, as reported by Reuters, stated that the billionaire tech entrepreneur was detained due to an initial inquiry into criminal activities linked to the messaging app. CBS News mentioned that Durov is anticipated to make a court appearance on Sunday.

In light of growing international demands for social media platforms to regulate content, Durov's arrest comes at a time when the European Union, including France, has implemented the Digital Services Act. This legislation mandates major tech firms to rigorously oversee illegal content on their platforms or face severe penalties.

Telegram's Compliance and Scrutiny

Telegram has been closely monitored by the EU this year for its moderation policies, especially since the platform has amassed 41 million users within the EU, just below the 45 million threshold that triggers adherence to DSA regulations. Notably, Telegram plays a significant role in Ukraine and Russia, serving as a vital source of information on the ongoing conflicts between the two nations.

Despite criticism for hosting graphic and misleading content related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Hamas conflict, Telegram seldom removes channels unless compelled by law enforcement or regulatory bodies.

Background and Previous Controversy

Originally from Russia, Durov left the country in 2014 after declining Kremlin directives to shut down opposition group accounts on VKontakte, another social media platform he had established. Following this incident, Durov sold his stake in VKontakte, stating in an interview with Tucker Carlson that he prioritizes freedom over obedience to authority.

Representatives of Telegram have yet to provide a response to Business Insider's request for comments regarding Durov's arrest.

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By: ktangalakislippert@businessinsider.com (Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert)
Title: Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Arrested in French Airport Over Alleged Failure to Moderate Content
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/telegram-ceo-pavel-durov-arrested-french-airport-2024-8
Published Date: Sun, 25 Aug 2024 03:20:42 +0000