Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, launched a strong critique against French authorities on Thursday after being detained and charged over the platform’s hosting of illegal content.
In his first public response to the legal accusations, Durov expressed his surprise at what he called an “incorrect” decision by French judicial authorities.
He stated that it was unfair to hold him responsible for content shared by other users on the platform.
Durov described his prosecution for “crimes committed by third parties” as a “misguided approach,” highlighting that he does not have direct control over individual user activity on Telegram.
The Telegram founder defended his platform, rejecting claims that it serves as a “haven for anarchists,” and called such accusations “completely false.”
He emphasized that the app operates within legal frameworks, despite being used by millions worldwide for various purposes, including communication, activism, and business.
This incident underscores ongoing debates about the responsibilities of tech platforms in moderating user-generated content, as governments worldwide scrutinize the role of social media in facilitating illegal activities.
Telegram, which boasts over 700 million users globally, has been under increasing pressure from governments over the spread of illegal content, including misinformation and extremism.
Unlike other platforms, Telegram is known for its strong encryption and commitment to user privacy, making it a preferred choice for many activists but also attracting criticism from authorities for its perceived lack of content moderation.
