French authorities have extended the detention of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, citing allegations of organized crime, fraud, and cyberbullying on his platform. Durov, who was arrested at Paris’ Le Bourget airport, is being held for “questioning” as part of an investigation into whether Telegram facilitated criminal activity, including drug trafficking and terrorism promotion. Despite these serious charges, critics argue that holding Durov accountable for the misuse of his platform sets a dangerous precedent for free speech and the responsibilities of tech companies.
Durov’s detention was initially set at 48 hours but has been extended to 96 hours, with reports suggesting it could stretch up to six days in particularly serious cases. French media has pointed out that the arrest was triggered by France’s OFMIN, an agency focused on protecting minors, raising questions about the government’s intentions. Durov’s supporters note that he has a fraught history with Russian authorities and has long been an advocate for privacy and free expression.
The case has sparked geopolitical controversy, with some American pundits speculating about Durov’s supposed “Russian links.” However, this narrative is complicated by Durov’s openly antagonistic relationship with the Kremlin, which has previously targeted him for resisting government censorship.
Telegram responded by defending Durov, stating, “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform.” As debates over the role of tech companies in content moderation continue, Durov’s detention highlights the increasingly authoritarian push for control over digital platforms, especially in Western nations.
