The Arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in Paris and What Followed

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s Arrest: Events in Paris

The arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov at an airport near Paris on Saturday has caused significant ripples in the social media and technology world. French authorities indicate that this arrest stems from weaknesses in the app’s oversight mechanisms and inadequacies in preventing criminal activities. This situation is also linked to Telegram’s lack of cooperation with the police.

On Sunday afternoon, Telegram released a statement on its official news channel and the X platform, asserting that Durov has “nothing to hide” and that it is “illogical to suggest that a platform or its owner is responsible for the misuse of that platform.” Telegram’s official statement stated: “Telegram complies with EU laws, including the Digital Services Act – maintaining moderation within industry standards and constantly improving it.”

According to Reuters, Durov was detained after arriving at Le Bourget airport on a private jet. The BBC reports that the current investigation focuses on the app’s inadequacies in preventing drug trafficking, child sexual abuse material, and fraud activities.

The Political and Strategic Dimensions of the Arrest

Claims that the arrest has no direct relation to competition and the Ukraine War are being discussed. Telegram, a Russia-based company, holds a significant market share against WhatsApp and other Western competitors. The app emphasizes that it offers users more “privacy.” However, the Russian government’s oversight of Telegram and its capability to monitor communications raises questions about these security claims.

As tensions between Russia and the West extend to nuclear threats, Europe frequently carries out arrests and asset seizures against Russian businessmen. In this context, Durov’s arrest might be expected to evolve into a global fight for freedom of expression. In fact, the #FreePavel hashtag has been launched on the social media platform X, with Elon Musk being one of the campaign’s pioneers.

Pavel Durov’s Future and Concerns

Could they kill Pavel? This question has emerged as a concern following Durov’s arrest. The tragic story of digital security and cryptocurrency expert John McAfee, who was arrested while escaping from the U.S. and tweeted, “The CIA wants to kill me, if you hear I committed suicide, don’t believe it,” adds to these worries. McAfee was found dead in his cell in Europe. It is also remembered that after his arrest, some CIA officials tweeted, “We are coming to Europe for you.”

In light of all these developments, Durov’s situation and future have become significant topics of discussion in both the technology world and international politics.