On Monday, French President Macron stated that Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested as part of a judicial investigation without political motives. Durov was arrested near Paris on Saturday.
“Social media, just like in real life, should exercise freedom within the limits of the law, aimed at protecting citizens and respecting their fundamental rights,” Macron wrote on social media platform X. He condemned the dissemination of false information regarding Durov’s arrest.
Durov, aged 39, was detained shortly after landing at Bourget Airport on the outskirts of Paris on Saturday night.
Due to the lack of official confirmation, speculation arose regarding the reasons for Durov’s detention. Macron mentioned reading false information about France following Durov’s arrest, emphasizing that France staunchly defends freedom of speech.
“The arrest of the Telegram CEO on French soil is part of an ongoing judicial investigation,” Macron wrote, “It is by no means a political decision but one made by judges.”
French police agency Ofmin stated on Monday that Durov allegedly failed to adequately vet criminal activities. This organization was established last year, focusing on preventing violence against minors.
Ofmin director Jean-Michel Bernigaud wrote on LinkedIn: “The core of the issue is that the platform (Telegram, with nearly 1 billion users) lacks vetting and cooperation, especially in combating child sexual crimes.”
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed an investigation into Durov but declined further comment. Reportedly, investigating judges extended Durov’s detention from 24 hours to 96 hours on Sunday, as per Agence France-Presse.
A police spokesperson told Reuters that Durov was under investigation by the National Cyber Crime and Fraud Office for non-compliance regarding network and financial crimes on Telegram.
Telegram, a popular messaging and social media app similar to WhatsApp, stated that there was nothing to hide about Durov and that he frequently traveled in Europe.
Headquartered in Dubai, Telegram stated in a Sunday release that its vetting process “meets industry standards and is continually improving.” The statement added that the company complies with EU laws, including the Digital Services Act.
This legislation, effective this year, requires platforms to more closely monitor harmful content and false information, facing penalties or restricted access in the EU if they fail to do so.
“It is absurd to hold platforms or their owners accountable for platform misuse,” Telegram stated, “We are awaiting a swift resolution to this situation. Telegram stands with you.”
Durov’s arrest marks one of the most severe national actions taken against social media executives to date, potentially sparking global debates on whether social media platforms should prioritize cybersecurity or freedom of speech.
Durov, born in Russia, holds dual French and UAE citizenship. Forbes estimates his net worth at $15.5 billion. In April, Durov stated that some governments had tried to pressure him, but the application should remain a neutral platform, not a “player in geopolitics.”
Durov left Russia in 2014.
When asked about Durov’s arrest, the Kremlin said on Monday that they had not seen any official charges from France against Durov.
“We still don’t understand what Durov is being charged with,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said at a press briefing.
“What do they want to charge Durov with exactly? It could be a mistake to make any statements without being informed,” Peskov added.
Russian state media reports mentioned Durov also holding Russian and St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship. These reports could not be verified by DigiTimes.
(This article references reports from Reuters and Financial Times)