Who is Pavel Durov and what is Telegram?

Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, has recently found himself in a challenging situation as he is now under formal investigation in France. This investigation is part of a larger inquiry into organized crime that is allegedly connected to the use of the Telegram platform. The Paris prosecutors have stated that Durov, who is 39 years old and a billionaire, has not been placed in jail but is under judicial supervision. This means he must adhere to strict conditions, including paying a hefty deposit of €5 million and reporting to a police station twice a week. He is also prohibited from leaving France. This development has sent shockwaves through the technology community, as it is quite rare for the owner of a social media or messaging platform to face such serious legal scrutiny due to the actions of its users. This situation has sparked a significant debate about the balance between freedom of speech and the responsibilities that come with running a social media platform. Durov's lawyer, David-Olivier Kaminski, has defended his client, asserting that Telegram complies with all European digital regulations and is moderated to the same standards as other social networks. He described the allegations against Durov as 'absurd,' arguing that it is unreasonable to suggest that his client could be involved in criminal activities that do not directly concern him. Durov is originally from Russia and is known for creating the social media platform VKontakte, which is quite popular in Russia. In 2014, he left Russia after refusing to comply with government demands. He then founded Telegram, which has grown to become one of the largest messaging platforms in the world, boasting around 950 million monthly active users. Durov currently resides in Dubai, where he runs the company, and he holds citizenship in both the UAE and France. However, Russia still considers him a citizen. Durov has been vocal about his commitment to protecting user privacy and freedom of expression. In a recent interview, he stated that he would refuse certain requests from authorities to remove content from Telegram, emphasizing that such actions would conflict with the platform's values of freedom of speech and the protection of private correspondence. Telegram is often compared to other messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, but it has some unique features that set it apart. One of the most notable differences is the size of groups that can be created on Telegram. While WhatsApp limits group sizes to 1,000 users, Telegram allows groups of up to 200,000 members. This capability has made Telegram a popular choice for various communities, including pro-democracy groups in countries like Iran and Hong Kong. However, this feature has also led to criticism, as large groups can facilitate the spread of misinformation and harmful content. In the UK, Telegram has faced scrutiny for hosting far-right channels that have been linked to violent incidents in English cities. Following Durov's arrest, Telegram released a statement asserting that its moderation practices are in line with industry standards and are continuously improving. The company emphasized its commitment to abiding by European Union laws, including the Digital Services Act, which aims to create a safer online environment. The app's statement highlighted that nearly a billion users rely on Telegram for communication and vital information, expressing hope for a swift resolution to the ongoing situation. The formal investigation into Durov includes several serious allegations, such as complicity in enabling illicit transactions through the platform, refusal to cooperate with authorities, and involvement in the distribution of illegal images of children. In France, being placed under formal investigation does not imply guilt but indicates that there is sufficient evidence to warrant further inquiry. Prominent figures, including Elon Musk, have come to Durov's defense, arguing that moderation can often be a guise for censorship. Chris Pavlovski, the founder of a controversial video-sharing app, has also expressed concern over Durov's detention. Edward Snowden, the American whistleblower, has criticized the arrest as an infringement on fundamental human rights, stating that it is disheartening to see a leader like French President Emmanuel Macron resorting to such measures. After details of the arrest emerged, a Russian politician suggested that the US might be behind Durov's arrest, claiming that Telegram is one of the few major platforms not under American influence. President Macron has publicly stated that the investigation is not politically motivated and that it is ultimately up to the judiciary to determine the outcome.