Since the apprehension of Durov, the messaging app has begun to treat law enforcement inquiries with greater responsibility.
Pavel Durov, the CEO of the messaging platform Telegram, was questioned for the first time by a magistrate in Paris as part of a criminal investigation into the platform’s purported facilitation of illicit activities, according to a source familiar with the case.
Attorneys David-Olivier Kaminski and Christophe Ingrain accompanied Durov to the Paris tribunal at approximately 10 a.m. (local time). He stated to reporters that he had confidence in the French justice system, but he did not offer any further commentary on the legal proceedings.
In August, the founder of Telegram was apprehended at Paris’ Le Bourget airport and detained for four days before being criminally charged with offenses associated with organized crime. Prosecutors contend that he neglected to implement sufficient safeguards to prevent the distribution of unlawful content and criminal activities on Telegram.
After his release, the authorities implemented stringent judicial oversight, which encompassed a €5 million bail, twice-weekly police station check-ins, and restrictions on his ability to leave France.
According to Attorney Kaminski, it is “completely preposterous” to assert that Durov was “involved” in offenses committed via Telegram.
Kaminski stated in an August statement that “Telegram is fully compliant with European regulations regarding digital technology.”
A source with knowledge of the investigation informed AFP that the legal action has resulted in heightened cooperation from Telegram in response to judicial requests in France and other countries.
Telegram announced that it would begin sharing user data with authorities in response to Durov’s arrest in France, as part of a comprehensive initiative to prevent illicit activities. The decision prompted significant discussion as a result of the platform’s acknowledgment of its dedication to encrypted communications and privacy.
In fact, Telegram has been providing authorities with IP addresses and phone numbers for criminal investigations since 2018, as Durov stated in his initial remarks following his arrest. The updated policy, he maintained, did not incorporate significant adjustments.
A 40-year-old businessman with citizenship in France, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates talked about his arrest and said he was surprised that he was being held responsible for content posted by other users. He characterized the French strategy as unwise.
Nevertheless, Durov acknowledged that the rapid expansion of Telegram had facilitated the misuse of the platform by offenders.
A crypto asset that is closely associated with Telegram and Durov, Toncoin (TON), experienced a 30% decline shortly after Durov’s arrest. In spite of the initial decline, TON has begun to rebound, with a current price of approximately $7, according to CoinGecko Data.
Officials in Russia perceive the legal proceedings against Durov as politically motivated rather than solely judicial.
Moscow’s initial response to Durov’s detention occurred in late August. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Kremlin, issued a warning to France regarding what they perceived as an attempt to “intimidate” Durov.
Peskov emphasized that the accusations against Durov necessitated equally robust evidence. According to French President Emmanuel Macron, Durov’s detention was not a political decision but rather a component of a judicial inquiry. He reaffirmed France’s dedication to communication and expression.
