Telegram CEO Faces Extended Detention as French Authorities Investigate

• French authorities detain Telegram CEO Pavel Durov for failing to curb illegal activities on the platform, extending detention to 96 hours.
• Macron emphasizes Durov’s arrest as a legal matter, not political, as France upholds freedom within legal limits.
• Telegram defends its practices amid scrutiny, asserting compliance with EU laws as global leaders react to Durov’s arrest.

The French government has arrested Pavel Durov, the Telegram message owner, for the inability to regulate unlawful actions. Durov was arrested at Le Bourget Airport after arriving from Azerbaijan. 

The French authorities prolonged his initial detention term to 96 hours to continue questioning him regarding various accusations against him and his channel. The charges include failing to moderate criminal activities effectively on Telegram, which authorities claim facilitates various illicit activities.

Judicial Response and Legal Framework

French President Emmanuel Macron has addressed the public, emphasizing that Pavel Durov’s arrest is strictly a judicial matter with no political undertones. Macron assured that the legal proceedings followed due process within the French judicial system’s framework. 

He highlighted France’s commitment to freedom of expression and communication but stressed that such freedoms must operate within legal constraints to ensure public safety and adherence to national and EU laws.

Global Reaction and Company Defense

The arrest has sparked significant discussion within the tech community and among global leaders. Defending its CEO, Telegram stated that Durov has nothing to hide and that the platform adheres to EU regulations, including the Digital Services Act. They argue that the moderation practices are within industry standards. 

The case has drawn attention from various figures, including Elon Musk, who voiced support for Durov with the hashtag #FreePavel, reflecting broader concerns about free speech and the responsibilities of platform owners.

Telegram’s Role and Scrutiny

Telegram has developed as a communication medium, particularly during major geopolitical events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It has been praised for offering a neutral platform for free expression and chastised for permitting the spread of unlawful content. 

The recent examination by French authorities highlights the continuous issues that social media platforms confront in combining freedom of expression with the necessity to prevent unlawful activity.