A year has passed since the arrest of Telegram CEO and co-founder Pavel Durov, igniting outrage from advocates of free speech and raising concerns about the future of moderation on the platform.
On August 24, 2024, Durov was detained at Paris-Le Bourget Airport in France, part of an inquiry led by the French National Judicial Police. Twelve charges were filed against him, alleging his complicity in serious crimes committed by users of his platform.
Durov has voiced confusion and frustration regarding the case in recent interviews. Free speech proponents have condemned the arrest, pointing to its grave implications for both free speech and platform innovation.
Now, one year later, the case has seen little advancement, while new threats to user privacy on messaging services continue to emerge.
No Trial Yet, One Year After Durov’s Arrest
Durov was detained last year after France’s L’Office Mineurs (OFMIN), the agency overseeing crimes against minors, issued a warrant in a preliminary inquiry concerning Telegram.
Investigators argued that Telegram fails to adequately moderate content, thus implicating Durov in alleged crimes ranging from fraud to drug trafficking, cyberbullying, and organized crime.
In its defense, Telegram stated that it complies with EU regulations, including the Digital Services Act, and that its moderation practices meet industry standards.
Source: Telegram
The TON Society, behind The Open Network based on Telegram’s previous blockchain project, described the arrest as “a direct assault on a basic human right.” Whistleblower Edward Snowden accused French President Emmanuel Macron of “taking hostages for access to private communications.”
Durov finally broke his silence in September 2024, stating via Telegram that the company was “prepared to exit markets that conflict with our principles.” He expressed surprise over his arrest, noting that Telegram has multiple channels for cooperating with authorities.
Related: Free Speech and Online Privacy: Pavel Durov’s Ascent
Durov also mentioned that the arrest took a personal toll, revealing that his partner, Juli Vavilova, suffered a miscarriage due to stress from the investigation.
His first court appearance was delayed until December, and a few months later, he received limited approval to travel to the United Arab Emirates for business while the French case is still ongoing.
In a June interview with Tucker Carlson, Durov clarified that he isn’t currently on trial but must appear before “investigative judges” tasked with determining if there’s sufficient evidence for a trial.
Durov (left) and Carlson (right) in France. Source: YouTube
Durov described the requirement to stay in France as “very strange and very unnecessary,” given that he only needs to appear in court every few months. He hopes for a resolution or at least the lifting of travel restrictions in the coming months.
As of August 24, the investigation continues.
Global Governments Crack Down on Encrypted Messengers
Durov’s situation coincides with global regulatory scrutiny of encrypted messaging services.
Denmark, currently presiding over the European Council, has introduced a bill requiring messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram to scan every message, image, and video sent by users.
This legislation, known as the “Regulation to Prevent and Combat Child Sexual Abuse,” or “Chat Control” as criticized, has reportedly garnered the backing of 19 out of 27 EU member states. It requires support from at least 15 countries comprising at least 65% of the EU’s population to pass.
The European Crypto Initiative has urged citizens to contact their Members of European Parliament and plans to engage with regulators during a stakeholder session in September.
Durov stated he would prefer that Telegram withdraw from markets rather than comply with regulations that infringe on the company’s ethical principles regarding privacy.
“Telegram would rather exit a market than compromise encryption with backdoors and violate fundamental human rights. Unlike some competitors, we do not trade privacy for market share,” he said.
In Durov’s native Russia, the government has cracked down on encrypted messengers, banning WhatsApp and Telegram under claims of usage in fraud and terrorism. It has also prohibited Facebook, Instagram, and X.
To replace these services, the government has introduced the messaging app Max, along with VK, a social media platform originally developed by Durov. Durov left VK in 2014 after declining to share user data related to Ukrainian protestors against the pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych.
“MAX: communication, helpful services” is available on the Google Play Store. Source: Google
Max, which supposedly integrates government services and peer-to-peer payments, has been accused of storing user data such as contact lists, metadata, IP addresses, and timestamps, making this information accessible to authorities. Starting September 1, phones sold in Russia will come pre-installed with the app.
Globally, encrypted messaging services face mounting pressure to sacrifice user privacy. In an increasingly authoritarian landscape, or amid genuine concerns for child safety, once privacy is eroded, regaining it is challenging. While Durov’s case creeps forward, it will surely influence how messaging services are regulated and allowed to evolve.
Magazine: Can Privacy Survive in US Crypto Policy After Roman Storm’s Conviction?
