The founder and CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, has been released from custody after being charged by French authorities.
The founder and CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, has been released from custody after being charged by French authorities. Following an appearance in court, Durov was placed under judicial supervision, a move that has sparked significant attention and controversy.
According to Bloomberg, French prosecutors have indicted Durov on criminal charges related to his role at Telegram. As part of the conditions for his release, Durov was required to post bail of 5 million euros (approximately $5.5 million) and has been barred from leaving France. Durov was detained at an airport north of Paris on August 24. Initially, authorities extended Durov’s custody until August 28, when he was either to be released or formally charged in court.
The charges against Durov stem from a judicial investigation launched in July, which was conducted "against person unnamed." These charges include allegations of complicity in illegal activities, refusal to cooperate with authorities, money laundering, criminal association, and providing cryptology services without proper declaration.
Prosecutors have alleged that Durov played a role in enabling the spread of child pornography and facilitating other illicit activities through Telegram. Additionally, Durov reportedly faces separate child abuse allegations in Switzerland that are unrelated to the French case.
The arrest and subsequent charges have ignited a debate over freedom of expression, with many of Durov’s supporters condemning the actions of French authorities. Critics argue that targeting Durov for the actions of Telegram users could set a dangerous precedent for other social media executives, such as Mark Zuckerberg of Meta or Elon Musk of X (formerly Twitter), holding them accountable for illegal activities conducted on their platforms.
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