Telegram has had a strong 11-year run, notching up almost a billion customers. Its founder and CEO Pavel Durov has turn into nothing in need of a tech icon in sure circles—a Russian-born Mark Zuckerberg, if you’ll.
Whereas Telegram has grown extremely through the years, the elusive platform has additionally earned a nasty repute with governments for its lax content material moderation efforts and its hand in supposedly fueling terrorism, disinformation and propaganda.
These allegations got here to a head this weekend when Durov was arrested by French authorities investigating unlawful baby abuse on Telegram.
Since being caught in Paris’s Le Bourget Airport, the political stakes surrounding his arrest have elevated. Detaining the CEO of one of many world’s most generally used on the spot messaging platforms has prompted reactions worldwide—some favorable, others not a lot.
The Russian-born billionaire, who holds UAE and French citizenship as per Telegram’s web site, has been primarily based in Dubai since 2017, just a few years after he left Russia following stress from the Kremlin’s safety companies.
France’s Emmanuel Macron, who supposedly makes use of Telegram continuously together with different prime French officers, disregarded claims that Durov’s arrest was politically charged. The probe into Telegram’s violations was a part of a broader investigation that wasn’t focusing on the messaging platform alone, he stated in a put up on X.
Fellow tech billionaire and self-proclaimed free-speech advocate Elon Musk responded to Macron’s put up asking for extra particulars on Durov’s arrest.
I’ve seen false info relating to France following the arrest of Pavel Durov.
France is deeply dedicated to freedom of expression and communication, to innovation, and to the spirit of entrepreneurship. It’s going to stay so.
In a state ruled by the rule of regulation,…
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 26, 2024
In the meantime, the UAE has requested for entry to the Telegram founder, saying it’s “closely following the case.” Previously, the Gulf state has granted citizenship to a choose few high-profile people regardless of having a stricter coverage for non-locals.
#UAE intently following case of Pavel Durov
The UAE is intently following the case of its citizen Pavel Durov, founding father of Telegram, who was arrested by the French authorities in Paris–Le Bourget Airport, emphasizing that the UAE has submitted a request to the Authorities of the…
— Afra Al Hameli (@AfraMalHameli) August 26, 2024
Russia’s embassy in France can be bidding to entry Durov (it’s unclear if Durov nonetheless holds Russian citizenship), though the nation’s sentiment in the direction of the billionaire is combined. The Kremlin seems to be treading cautiously because the extent of the accusations in opposition to Durov stays unknown.
“We haven’t heard any official statements. Before I can say anything at all about this, we need some clarity,” a Kremlin spokesperson informed the media.
But, consultants on Russian state TV and different information shops have slammed the arrest. Durov supporters have staged protests outdoors the French embassy in Moscow, calling for the billionaire tech star’s launch. On Tuesday, a high-ranking Russian official stated the U.S. was attempting to regulate Telegram through the use of France as its proxy.
Russia had beforehand tried to ban Telegram as a result of it feared that nationwide safety info was being shared on the platform. However that hasn’t stopped Russians from utilizing it.
A part of the explanation Russia is staking a declare within the scenario is Telegram’s distinguished position within the Ukraine struggle since early 2022. The messaging app has served as a way of communication for each international locations concerned within the struggle. Telegram has had completely different components to play. It’s helped individuals study what’s occurring on the bottom forward of reports stories, nevertheless it’s additionally a hotspot for Russian state propaganda and misinformation.
The encrypted chat platform has been within the crosshairs of governments for numerous causes. As an illustration, Germany issued $5 million in 2022 for not complying with its native regulation, whereas Brazil suspended the app when it refused to droop a far-right congressman’s account.
Telegram didn’t instantly return Fortune’s request for remark. The corporate stated in an X put up on Sunday that the claims in opposition to Durov have been “absurd” and that he had “nothing to hide.”
The Telegram chief’s destiny hangs within the stability till Wednesday, the deadline for the prosecutor’s workplace to both launch or cost Durov. The tech communities and all of the governments with pores and skin within the sport will maintain an eagle eye on what occurs within the meantime.
