Telegram boss banned from leaving France in criminal probe

Telegram founder Pavel Durov is currently under formal investigation in France as Paris prosecutors delve into alleged organized crime activities linked to the messaging app. The French authorities have placed Durov, who holds both Russian and French citizenship, under judicial supervision. As part of the conditions, he must pay a €5 million deposit, report to a French police station twice a week, and is prohibited from leaving France.

Durov was detained last Saturday upon arriving at Le Bourget airport near Paris. The investigation does not imply guilt but indicates that the authorities have sufficient grounds to scrutinize the matter further.

Telegram has consistently stated that it adheres to European digital regulations and maintains moderation standards comparable to other social networks. Durov’s lawyer, David-Olivier Kaminski, dismissed the accusations as "absurd," asserting that his client is not involved in any criminal activities related to the app.

The arrest of a social media platform owner over the misuse of their service is unprecedented and has sparked intense debate about the balance between free speech and accountability. Unlike other tech executives who have faced legal inquiries, Durov's situation is unique due to its direct impact on his personal freedom.

Elon Musk, owner of X, has publicly defended Durov, criticizing the notion of moderation as mere censorship. Chris Pavlovski, founder of the video-sharing app Rumble, has reportedly fled Europe following the detention.

Telegram, now based in Dubai, faces allegations of ignoring international efforts to combat online child abuse. Despite its claims of industry-standard moderation tools, the company has refused to join child protection schemes. The firm has over 950 million registered users and is particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other post-Soviet states.

Russian officials have expressed concerns that the investigation could be politically motivated, noting Durov's dual citizenship complicates the matter. The Kremlin has pledged support but emphasizes the complexity due to Durov’s French nationality.

This development underscores the growing scrutiny on major tech platforms and their role in managing content on a global scale.