Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Confirms Compliance with EU Digital Services Act Following His Arrest

SUMMARY

Telegram stated it complies with all EU laws and is continuously enhancing its content moderation practices.
Founder and CEO Pavel Durov was detained by French authorities due to a search warrant connected to alleged violations on the platform.
The company emphasized its commitment to adhering to legal requirements while maintaining its encrypted messaging services.

Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov was detained by French authorities at Le Bourget airport near Paris, taking after a search warrant issued by France’s L’Office Mineurs (OFMIN). The warrant targets alleged violations connected to Telegram’s encrypted messaging platform, centering on issues such as fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, and organized crime. Durov’s detainment has raised concerns within the tech and cryptocurrency communities, as both Durov and Telegram have long been under investigation for their content moderation practices.

The investigation into Telegram’s moderation practices has escalated, with French law enforcement regarding them as insufficient in controlling criminal activities on the platform. OFMIN is leading the investigation, which is still in its preliminary stages, and no formal charges have been recorded against Durov or Telegram at this time. Be that as it may, the implications are critical, highlighting the challenges that encrypted platforms confront in balancing privacy and regulatory compliance. Telegram has contended that it complies with all significant laws, including the European Union’s Digital Services Act.

In reaction to Durov’s arrest, Telegram issued a statement certifying its adherence to EU laws and its commitment to improving content moderation. The company emphasized that Durov has nothing to cover up and travels regularly in Europe, countering the narrative that his detainment is tied to any wrongdoing. Telegram was also linked to a March 2024 post from Durov, where he predicted challenges related to moderation practices as the company develops. Durov noted that criticism of content moderation is a common issue for all major social media platforms.

The arrest has essentially affected the cryptocurrency market, especially Toncoin (TON), a digital asset connected to The Open Network, a blockchain project related to Telegram. Following Durov’s detainment, Toncoin’s market value dropped by over 20%, wiping out roughly $2.7 billion. Although the token managed to recuperate slightly, it remains down by more than 16%, reflecting the uncertainty caused by the circumstance. The Open Network, which has access to Telegram’s 900 million monthly users, has moreover been affected, with the value of assets locked on the TON blockchain withdrawing significantly.

Despite the negative impact on Toncoin, support for Durov within the crypto community has been solid. Figures like Tron’s Justin Sun have voiced their backing, with Sun offering to donate $1 million to a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) committed to securing Durov’s release if it gains sufficient community support. The Open Network’s official social media accounts have rallied behind Durov, using hashtags like #FreePavel and #FREEDUROV.

Telegram reiterated that it is ridiculous to hold a platform or its owner responsible for mishandling by its users. The company maintains that it is completely compliant with lawful necessities and that its content moderation practices are always evolving to meet industry measures. The Russian embassy in France has also intervened, asking for clarification from French authorities and demanding the protection of Durov’s rights, including consular access.

Pavel Durov’s arrest represents a critical moment for both Telegram and the broader tech industry, highlighting the continuous pressure between privacy, content control, and regulatory compliance. As the investigation unfolds, it will likely have lasting implications not only for Telegram but also for other encrypted platforms confronting similar investigations. The result of this case may set a precedent for how such platforms are controlled and held responsible, particularly in jurisdictions with rigid laws like the European Union.