Telegram CEO Responds to Arrest, Denies Anarchic Paradise Allegations

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov recently spoke out after his arrest, refuting claims that the platform is an 'anarchic paradise.' Durov expressed surprise at his detention in Paris by French authorities and suggested that legal action should have been directed towards Telegram instead.

Durov's Arrest and Response

After being detained in Paris, Durov made his first public statement on his Telegram channel. He highlighted the unexpected nature of his arrest, stating that the French authorities should have reached out to Telegram for assistance regarding any alleged illegal activities on the platform.

Legal Allegations and Assistance Offer

French authorities have accused Durov of allowing illegal activities on Telegram, including the distribution of child sexual abuse material and drug trafficking. Durov, who holds French citizenship, emphasized that Telegram has been cooperative with EU requests and even facilitated a hotline with French authorities to combat terrorism.

Balance Between Privacy and Security

Durov addressed the challenge of balancing privacy and security on Telegram, noting that the platform has engaged with regulators to find the right equilibrium. He mentioned that Telegram is willing to exit countries where agreements cannot be met, citing previous bans in Russia and Iran.

Future Improvements and Acknowledgment

While acknowledging Telegram's imperfections, Durov emphasized the platform's commitment to enhancing security measures. He acknowledged that the rapid increase in user count had led to challenges, making it easier for criminals to exploit the platform. Durov pledged to make significant improvements and promised to share more details soon.

In conclusion, Durov thanked Telegram users for their support and humor. Representatives for Telegram did not respond immediately to requests for comments outside regular business hours.

Source: Business Insider

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By: ktan@businessinsider.com (Kwan Wei Kevin Tan)
Title: Telegram CEO Responds to Arrest, Denies Anarchic Paradise Allegations
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/telegram-ceo-breaks-silence-after-arrest-2024-9
Published Date: Fri, 06 Sep 2024 02:53:00 +0000