Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Arrested: Reasons And Consequences

Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder of the messaging app, Telegram, was arrested and detained at Le Bourget French Airport in Paris today. 

Who Is Pavel Durov?

Pavel Durov, 39, is the owner of the popular messaging app called telegram. This app has competed with Whatsapp, Instagram, and others and is expected to cross a billion users by next year. 

How Are His Relations With Russia?

Durov was born in Russia and he left the place in 2014, when he refused the government’s demands to shut down the opposition groups on his app. Due to this, Telegram was also banned in Russia in 2018 owing to state security, but was made legal again in 2021. Back in 2018 itself, Mr Durov had made it clear that he didn’t want to take any orders. He wants Telegram to remain a neutral platform. 

The app is still in great use in Russia, Ukraine and other surrounding countries. Since the Russia-Ukraine War broke out, the app has been in a battle too. 

Why Exactly Was He Arrested?

According to reports, his platform due to the absence of any sort of moderation has been a place for crimes to thrive. Many criminal activities in France are being associated with the platform. These include drug trade, crimes against children and minors and fraud issues. 

How Did Russia React?

The Russian embassy located in France has reacted swiftly to this news and said that they are gathering more information about the situation. On the other hand, some Russian diplomats have also criticized the French action. Telegram itself has not made any comment on the situation so far. 

The Telegram owner has been arrested on the charges of non-regulation and non-moderation on his platform, which led to thriving crimes. How this impacts the overall digital ecosystem in the world and the working of certain mainstream popular social media apps is to be seen.