Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of Telegram, has publicly addressed the recent legal challenges faced by the messaging platform in France. In a Telegram post on September 5, 2024, Durov committed to enhancing efforts to combat criminal activity on the app, marking his first public statement since French authorities levied preliminary charges against him.
Durov defended his position, questioning the appropriateness of targeting him personally for alleged criminal use of the platform. He stated, "Using laws from the pre-smartphone era to charge a CEO with crimes committed by third parties on the platform he manages is a misguided approach." Durov emphasized the potential chilling effect on innovation, suggesting that such legal actions could deter future technological advancements.
While acknowledging that Telegram is not an "anarchic paradise," Durov admitted that the platform's rapid growth has led to challenges in managing criminal activity. He pledged to make significant improvements, stating, "I made it my personal goal to ensure we significantly improve things in this regard."
The legal troubles for Durov began in late August 2024 when French investigators detained him at Le Bourget airport near Paris. He was questioned for four days as part of a comprehensive probe initiated earlier in the year. Released on a €5 million bail, Durov is required to report to a police station twice weekly.
French authorities allege that Telegram has been used for child sexual abuse material and drug trafficking. They also claim that the platform refused to share information or documents with investigators when legally required.
Durov, who has acquired multiple citizenships including French, expressed surprise at the allegations. He highlighted Telegram's existing communication channels with authorities, including an official EU representative and a public email address for reporting illegal content.
"French authorities had numerous ways to reach me to request assistance. If a country is unhappy with an internet service, the established practice is to start a legal action against the service itself."
As of 2024, Telegram boasts over 700 million monthly active users, a significant increase from its founding in 2013. The platform is known for its emphasis on privacy and encryption, features that have contributed to its popularity but also attracted criticism for potential misuse by extremist groups.
Durov's response to the French charges comes at a critical time for Telegram. The platform has faced bans or restrictions in several countries, including Russia and Iran, due to concerns over its potential use for illegal activities. Despite these challenges, Telegram has continued to innovate, introducing features like end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls and a premium subscription model in 2022.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the tech community and Telegram users worldwide will be closely watching how Durov and his team balance their commitment to privacy with the growing pressure to address criminal activities on the platform.