CEO Arrested for Allowing Telegram Illegal Content
On August 25, CEO Pavel Durov, the Russian billionaire behind messaging platform Telegram was arrested in France over accusations related to alleged Telegram illegal content.
Telegram’s CEO was taken into custody after his private jet landed at Le Bourget Airport. The arrest came following allegations that the platform has failed to moderate content and take necessary steps to prevent criminal activity on the platform.
So, What Really Happened?
Telegram is a huge platform, and it is well spread in Russia, Ukraine and Soviet Union countries. With the ability to host groups of up to 200,000 members, the platform became a fertile ground for the spread of misinformation and unlawful activities.
Over years, Telegram faced accusations of failure to cooperate with law enforcement over drug trafficking, child sexual content and fraud.
Telegram is also one of the most highly ranked social media platforms after Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram and TikTok, and these accusations could heavily impact Telegram’s standing in the social, and digital, landscape.
However, the accusations cannot be denied.
The list of Telegram illegal content include usage by some drug deals to facilitate the drug trade, and reports indicate that child sexual abuse content has been openly circulated on the application, forming serious threats to children’s safety and security.
Many users have also fallen victims to scammers exploiting Telegram to defraud others and steal their personal data, constructing another layer of massive legal and ethical violations, further intensifying governmental scrutiny on Durov’s Telegram.
Public Reactions
French authorities are concerned over how Durov is allowing the wave of the Telegram illegal content to spread and sharing harmful content.
Even though Russia banned Telegram in 2018 after Durov refused to hand over user data, the Russian Embassy in France posted on Facebook that it is seeking to “clarify the reasons for the detention and to provide for the protection of Mr. Durov’s rights and facilitate consular access.”
The Russian Embassy in France also vocalized its concerns over the French authority’s lack of collaboration with Russia on this matter.
Durov’s arrest reignited discussions on the very nature of Western Human Rights Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) role when they criticized Russia’s decision to ban Telegram in 2018, accusing it of hindering the platform’s operations.
In parallel, many Russian officials condemned Telegram CEO’s arrest, arguing that it highlights the West’s double standards regarding freedom of speech and democracy.
X owner, Elon Musk, who has been under the attack by authorities for a long time, commented on the arrest on his platform.
Edawrd Snowder, American whistleblower, joined Musk and said on X: “Mr. Durov’s arrest was an assault on the basic human rights of speech and association.”
The incident ignited numerous debates all over social media platforms, and most prominently, among public officials. Some expressed their support for Durov, while others unleashed criticism on him for allowing illegal content to spread on his platform.
Public demonstrations surfaced, with crows gathering outside the French Embassy to demand Durov’s immediate release.
Is it Truly a Matter of Freedom of Speech?
Telegram CEO is being accused of failing to limit illegal content on the platform, including misinformation, drug trafficking, Childe sexual abuse and Fraud. The Telegram illegal content presence not only breaks the laws of each country but also violates the security of users, particularly children.
Western countries can be controversial at times, championing freedom of speech while silencing and manipulating the truth. The reasons for this controversary may include political motivations.
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