After CEO Pavel Durov's arrest in France, Telegram says it's 'absurd' to blame a platform if users abuse it

Telegram defends CEO Pavel Durov after his arrest in France, calling accusations of platform misuse absurd.

: CEO Pavel Durov was arrested near Paris as part of an investigation into Telegram's moderation practices. Telegram dismissed the claims, emphasizing compliance with EU laws. The platform faces criticism for failing to curb illegal activities. The Paris prosecutor's office will release a statement on Monday.

CEO Pavel Durov of Telegram was arrested at Le Bourget airport near Paris, primarily due to allegations regarding Telegram’s inadequate moderation measures. This arrest initiated a preliminary investigation, targeting issues such as the platform's failure to address drug trafficking, child sexual abuse materials, and fraudulent activities.

Telegram has publicly responded to the arrest, calling it “absurd” to hold the platform accountable for user abuses. The company characterized these claims as unfounded and reaffirmed its compliance with European Union laws, specifically the Digital Services Act, stressing that their moderation practices meet industry standards and are continually improving.

On Sunday, Telegram reiterated Durov’s integrity, mentioning his frequent travels in Europe and reaffirming that he has nothing to hide. The Paris prosecutor's office is expected to release further details on the investigation, and Telegram hopes for a swift resolution of the situation.

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