Telegram Deems Misuse Allegations ‘Absurd’ Following CEO’s Paris Arrest

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Telegram stated that it complies with EU laws and dismissed claims that Durov or the platform is responsible for user abuse, calling such accusations "absurd."

“Telegram abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act — its moderation is within industry standards and constantly improving,” the app said Monday on X. It added that Durov, who frequently travels across Europe, has “nothing to hide.”

“It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform,” the Dubai-based platform said.

Local media reported that authorities arrested Durov at Bourget airport near Paris on Saturday. French authorities reportedly detained the CEO upon his arrival from Azerbaijan on his private jet. He is originally from Russia, but holds dual citizenship with France and the United Arab Emirates.

The arrest is tied to an investigation into whether Telegram’s content moderation has enabled crimes like terrorism and trafficking. Durov has not been formally charged yet, but the investigation is centered on Telegram’s moderation practices.

Telegram-linked Toncoin has plunged 17% following the arrest. The token was down 1.1% on Monday.

French Authorities Extend Pavel Durov’s Detention

French judicial authorities on Sunday extended Durov’s detention, signaling a serious approach to the allegations against him. This extension, which could last up to 96 hours, indicates a detailed investigation into the claims.

The Russian Embassy in Paris requested an explanation from the French authorities regarding the reasons for the detention. Further, they insisted on protecting Durov’s rights and granting consular access.

Discussions about the balance between free speech, privacy, and content moderation have erupted following his arrest. While some critics contend that Durov’s arrest over platform content establishes a perilous precedent for internet freedom, others assert it underscores the necessity for more stringent regulations.