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Telegram CEO Pavel Durov finally spoke out in public for the first time since French authorities targeted him, charging him with facilitating illegal behavior on the messaging service. In response to the charges, Durov argued that using outdated legislation to hold a CEO personally responsible for crimes committed by third parties on his platform is unjust.
In a Telegram message late Thursday, Durov expressed his belief that innovators should not be held personally liable for the misuse of their tools, as it would stifle technological advancements and hinder progress. He emphasized that building technology is already challenging enough without the fear of legal repercussions.
While acknowledging that Telegram is not a perfect platform and is susceptible to abuse by criminals, Durov pledged to address these issues and improve safety measures to prevent illegal activities from occurring. He revealed that the rapid growth of users on the platform had made it easier for criminals to exploit it, prompting him to take personal responsibility for enhancing security measures.
French authorities apprehended Durov at Le Bourget airport near Paris in late August and subjected him to questioning for four days as part of an extensive investigation initiated earlier this year. Despite being released on 5 million euros bail, Durov must report to the police twice a week. The Russian-born CEO, who also holds French citizenship, is facing allegations that Telegram is involved in trafficking drugs and child sexual abuse content, as well as failing to cooperate with law enforcement requests for information.
Durov contested the claims made by the French authorities, highlighting that Telegram has established channels for reporting unlawful content and for communicating with competent law enforcement agencies in the EU. He noted that the platform has a designated email contact for EU representatives, a bot for reporting illegal material on its website, and specific contact details for EU authorities to request information.
The CEO expressed his astonishment at being held personally responsible for the actions of others using Telegram, especially since French authorities had multiple avenues to seek cooperation from the platform. Durov cited his previous collaboration with the authorities in establishing a hotline to address the threat of terrorism in France, indicating his willingness to engage in dialogue and assist law enforcement efforts.
In response to the situation, Durov affirmed that he is committed to improving security measures on Telegram and working towards a safer online environment for users. He promised to provide updates on the internal initiatives being implemented to enhance safety and prevent criminal activities on the platform.
As the CEO of one of the world’s largest messaging services, Durov’s legal battle with French authorities has brought attention to the complex issues surrounding technology, privacy, and law enforcement cooperation. Despite facing challenges and legal scrutiny, Durov remains determined to uphold the values of innovation and user safety while navigating the regulatory landscape in various jurisdictions.
