The arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France on Saturday, August 24, has raised the free speech debate. President Emmanuel Macron, confirming the arrest, dismissed accusations from Telegram supporters that the arrest was an example of government censorship. Macron assured that the arrest was a purely judicial matter and not a political decision.
"The arrest of the Telegram president on French territory took place as part of an ongoing judicial investigation," Macron wrote on X. "This is in no way a political decision. It is up to the judges to decide."
Pavel Durov, 39, was detained at Le Bourget Airport near Paris after arriving from Azerbaijan on a private jet. While he has not been formally charged, he remains in custody, which could be extended until Wednesday. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated that Durov's arrest is part of an ongoing investigation, initiated on July 8, into several potential offences, including complicity in child pornography distribution, drug trafficking, money laundering, and failure to cooperate with law enforcement. The investigation is led by cybercrime and anti-fraud specialists, and Durov has been questioned by investigators.
It remains uncertain whether formal charges will be filed against Durov. In France, complex cases are managed by specialised magistrates with extensive investigative authority, and defendants can be placed under formal investigation. However, charges may be dropped if evidence is insufficient, and such cases can be protracted.
Also Read | Telegram’s Fate In India Hangs In The Balance: Extortion And Gambling Claims Under Investigation
Meanwhile, Indian authorities have also launched a probe against Telegram over concerns of extortion and gambling, a media report said. As per Moneycontrol report, the social media platform may get banned, depending on the findings of the investigation.
The Free Speech vs 'Haven For Harmful Content' Debate
Telegram, with over 900 million users, has faced criticism for its lenient content moderation policies. While this has allowed free communication in authoritarian regimes, it has also made the platform a refuge for extremist groups and illegal activities.
Globally, law enforcement agencies are intensifying pressure on tech companies to tackle issues such as disinformation, online extremism, child safety, and the spread of illicit content. Pavel Durov's arrest could further strain the already tense relations between France and Russia, exacerbated by French support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Telegram has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that Durov has nothing to hide. The company has also reiterated its commitment to protecting user privacy and upholding free speech.