Telegram has come to the defense of its CEO Pavel Durov, who was detained at a Paris airport on Saturday. According to the messaging app, Durov, who is facing allegations related to insufficient moderation of content on Telegram, has “nothing to hide.”
Durov’s arrest was executed under a warrant related to claims of the app’s failure to address criminal activities. The charges reportedly include insufficient action against drug trafficking, child sexual content, and fraud occurring on the platform. Telegram has stated that its moderation practices meet industry standards and are continuously improving.
In a statement, Telegram emphasized that it is “absurd to claim that a platform or its owner is responsible for abuse of that platform.” The company stressed that it complies with European Union regulations, including the Digital Services Act, aimed at maintaining a safe online environment.
“With almost a billion users globally relying on Telegram for communication and vital information, we’re committed to a swift resolution of this matter,” the statement read. Telegram reassured its users of its commitment to upholding community standards and laws.
Durov, 39, who holds dual citizenship in the United Arab Emirates and France, was born in Russia and now resides in Dubai where Telegram is headquartered. His detention has been extended to potentially last up to 96 hours, according to judicial sources.
The Russian Embassy in France has called for clarification on the reasons behind Durov’s detention and is seeking to ensure his rights are protected. They also reported difficulties in getting cooperation from French authorities.
Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova took to Telegram, questioning whether Western human rights organizations would remain silent on Durov’s detention, given their previous criticisms of Russia’s actions against Telegram in 2018.
Telegram, known for its large group sizes and global user base, has faced criticism for its role in hosting extremist and illegal content. In the UK, it was scrutinized for far-right channels linked to recent violence in English cities. Despite removing some groups, experts argue that Telegram’s moderation system lags behind other major social media platforms.
The company continues to advocate for Durov and his commitment to responsible platform management while awaiting further developments in the legal situation.