Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has been charged in France for allegedly facilitating illegal transactions and obstructing cooperation with authorities, as well as complicity in the distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Durov was arrested in Paris last Saturday following an investigation into criminal activities on the Telegram platform.
French prosecutors have set Durov’s bail at €5 million, under the condition that he remains in the country under judicial supervision. The arrest warrant, issued by France’s OFMIN agency, criticized Telegram for its “lack of moderation and cooperation” in addressing illegal content on the platform.
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While Telegram is a crucial source of information in countries with restricted media, it has also been criticized for harboring illicit activities. Durov and Telegram are known for their hands-off approach to content moderation, often acting only when pressured by external forces.
In a statement on Sunday, Telegram defended Durov, asserting that he has “nothing to hide” and calling the allegations “absurd.” The company also argued that it is unreasonable to hold the platform accountable for users’ misuse.
This case underscores the ongoing challenges in regulating online platforms and balancing freedom of speech with the need to combat illegal activities.
