In a dramatic turn of events, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has spoken out following his recent arrest in France, calling the charges against him “misguided” and “absolutely untrue.” Durov was detained at Le Bourget Airport near Paris as part of an investigation into Telegram’s alleged lack of moderation, which authorities claim allowed illegal activities on the platform, including child abuse, drug trafficking, and fraud.
Durov’s Response: A Call for Innovation-Friendly Laws
In his first public statement, Durov expressed shock at being personally held responsible for third-party criminal activities on Telegram. He criticized the French authorities for using outdated laws from the pre-smartphone era and stressed that if a country is unhappy with an internet service, the usual protocol is to take legal action against the service itself, not its CEO.
“Using laws from the pre-smartphone era to charge a CEO with crimes committed by third parties on the platform he manages is a misguided approach,” Durov stated on Telegram.
Criticism of French Authorities and Media Scrutiny
Durov emphasized that Telegram has always cooperated with French authorities, including setting up hotlines to address urgent issues like terrorism. He also pointed out that Telegram has an official representative in the EU and multiple channels for legal communication.
“We take down millions of harmful posts and channels every day,” Durov explained. “However, Telegram’s rapid user growth to 950 million has presented challenges, and I made it my personal goal to significantly improve in this regard.”
Durov also hinted at the possibility of Telegram withdrawing from jurisdictions that interfere with its mission to protect free speech, raising concerns about innovation in countries with restrictive regulations.
A Growing Debate: Free Speech vs. Government Regulation
The arrest has sparked widespread debate about the balance between free speech and government regulation. Elon Musk and Edward Snowden have condemned the charges against Durov, framing the case as a threat to freedom of expression. The TON Society and other industry leaders have also voiced their support for Durov, with many arguing that this incident could stifle innovation.
Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski even went as far as leaving Europe, citing France as a hostile environment for tech founders who prioritize free speech. Pavlovski warned that France’s actions represent a growing trend of censorship and overreach, which could force platforms like Telegram and Rumble out of the region.
Toncoin’s Price Volatility Amid the Controversy
The arrest initially caused a sharp drop in Toncoin’s (TON) value, with the token falling by 20%. However, after Durov’s release and the subsequent media coverage, Toncoin has started to recover, now trading at $4.8, up 3.02% in the past day. The ongoing support from influential figures like Elon Musk has fueled optimism that the token could see further gains in the near future, despite the recent volatility.
A Pivotal Moment for Telegram and Free Speech
Durov’s arrest highlights the complex legal landscape tech companies face when balancing free speech with regulatory compliance. As the investigation continues, this case may set an important precedent for platform governance and CEO accountability. Meanwhile, the global attention on Durov and Telegram, combined with support from the tech community, could ultimately lead to a stronger push for innovation and freedom of expression in the digital world.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of advice.