Telegram CEO Detained at French Airport Over Messaging App Concerns
Pavel Durov, the CEO of popular messaging app Telegram, has been arrested by French authorities at Le Bourget Airport, north of Paris. The 39-year-old was apprehended upon the arrival of his private jet, according to French media reports.
The arrest was reportedly made under a warrant issued for offences related to Telegram. While the specific nature of the charges remains unclear, French authorities are likely investigating potential violations of French law regarding data privacy, user safety, or other concerns related to the platform's operation.
The Russian embassy in France is reportedly taking "immediate steps" to clarify the situation, according to the Russian state news agency TASS.
Telegram, known for its strong encryption and focus on privacy, has gained immense popularity across the globe, particularly in Russia, Ukraine, and former Soviet Union states. It was initially banned in Russia in 2018 due to Durov's refusal to comply with government demands for user data. However, the ban was lifted in 2021.
Telegram has consistently ranked among the world's major social media platforms, alongside giants such as Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and Wechat.
Durov, a prominent figure in the tech world, founded Telegram in 2013. He left Russia in 2014 after refusing to cooperate with government demands to shut down opposition groups on his VKontakte social media platform, which he subsequently sold.
Durov's arrest is likely to spark further scrutiny of Telegram's operations and its role in the global landscape of messaging platforms. As details of the investigation emerge, the potential impact on the app's future and its user base remains uncertain.