French Authorities Detain Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Over Illegal Content Concerns

French authorities have arrested Telegram founder Pavel Durov, citing concerns over his failure to curb the spread of illegal content on his popular messaging platform. The 39-year-old billionaire was taken into custody on Monday at a Paris airport, where he had arrived from the Azerbaijani capital Baku.

Durov’s detention has sparked widespread curiosity, with many questioning the timing and circumstances of his arrest. A source close to the case has revealed that his initial detention period has been extended until Wednesday, allowing investigators more time to gather evidence and build a case against him.

According to the allegations, Durov failed to take adequate action to remove illegal content from Telegram, including explicit sexual material, disinformation, and narcotics services. The company has rejected these accusations, stating that it abides by EU laws and has industry-standard moderation in place.

In a rare comment on a legal case, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that Durov’s arrest is a purely judicial matter, and not a political decision. Macron noted that France is deeply committed to freedom of expression and communication, but such freedoms must be upheld within a legal framework.

The case has drawn attention from global leaders, including Elon Musk, who tweeted in support of Durov using the hashtag #FreePavel. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has denied that Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Durov during Putin’s state visit to Azerbaijan.

Durov’s arrest has sparked concerns about the role of social media in spreading illegal content, and whether platforms can be held accountable for failing to regulate their users’ behavior. As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: the world is watching as the case unfolds.