Telegram has enjoyed a successful 11-year run, amassing nearly a billion users. Its founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, has become a tech icon in some circles—a Russian-born version of Mark Zuckerberg.
Despite its significant growth, Telegram has also gained a notorious reputation among governments due to its lax content moderation and alleged role in fostering terrorism, disinformation, and propaganda.
These concerns escalated this weekend when Durov was arrested by French authorities investigating illegal child abuse on Telegram.
Since his arrest at Paris’s Le Bourget Airport, the political ramifications have intensified. The detention of the CEO of one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms has sparked global reactions—some supportive, others critical.
The Russian-born billionaire, who according to Telegram’s website holds UAE and French citizenship, has lived in Dubai since 2017, following his departure from Russia under pressure from the Kremlin’s security services.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who is said to be a frequent Telegram user along with other top French officials, dismissed claims that Durov’s arrest was politically motivated. He clarified in a post on X that the investigation into Telegram’s violations was part of a broader probe and not solely focused on the messaging platform.
Elon Musk, a fellow tech billionaire and advocate of free speech, responded to Macron’s post, requesting more information about Durov’s arrest.
Meanwhile, the UAE has requested access to Durov, stating it is “closely following the case.” The Gulf state has previously granted citizenship to a select few high-profile individuals despite its typically stringent policy on non-locals.
Russia’s embassy in France is also seeking access to Durov, though it’s unclear if he still holds Russian citizenship. The Kremlin’s stance on the matter appears cautious as the full extent of the accusations against Durov remains unclear.
“We haven’t heard any official statements. Before I can say anything at all about this, we need some clarity,” a Kremlin spokesperson told the media.
However, experts on Russian state TV and other news outlets have criticized the arrest. Durov’s supporters have protested outside the French embassy in Moscow, demanding his release. On Tuesday, a senior Russian official claimed that the U.S. was attempting to control Telegram by using France as a proxy.
Russia had previously attempted to ban Telegram over concerns that national security information was being shared on the platform, but the app remains widely used in the country.
One reason Russia is involved in the situation is Telegram’s significant role in the Ukraine war since early 2022. The messaging app has been a key communication tool for both sides in the conflict, providing real-time updates but also serving as a hub for Russian state propaganda and misinformation.
Governments have targeted Telegram for various reasons. For example, Germany fined the company $5 million in 2022 for not complying with local laws, while Brazil temporarily suspended the app for refusing to deactivate a far-right congressman’s account.
