- Telegram CEO arrested in France over moderation issues
- Authorities allege app enables illegal activities
- Telegram denies responsibility, citing compliance with EU laws
Messaging Mogul Meets Legal Maze
Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of popular messaging app Telegram, was arrested at Le Bourget airport in France on Saturday evening.
The arrest, initially reported by French television network TF1, has ignited a firestorm of speculation and debate across social media platforms, including Telegram itself.
Moderation Woes Take Center Stage
French authorities reportedly claim that Telegram’s alleged lack of content moderation and reluctance to cooperate with law enforcement have made Durov an accomplice to various illegal activities occurring on the platform.
These accusations include drug trafficking, money laundering, and the sharing of child pornography.
Telegram Fights Back
In response to the arrest, Telegram issued a statement asserting its compliance with EU laws, including the Digital Services Act.
The company maintains that its moderation practices align with industry standards and are continuously improving.
Telegram also argues against the notion that a platform or its owner should be held responsible for user misconduct, setting the stage for a broader debate on messaging app accountability.