Pavel Durov, Telegram’s CEO, returned to Dubai after a seven-month detainment in France. He is currently under investigation for allegations that Telegram was used for criminal activity. Durov emphasizes the need for improved moderation on the platform and expresses gratitude for the support received during his ordeal.
On March 17, 2023, Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, announced his return to Dubai after seven months following his arrest in France related to allegations that his app facilitated criminal activity. Despite being under investigation, a spokesperson from the Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that his judicial supervision obligations were suspended for a limited period.
Durov, who possesses dual citizenship in the UAE and France, traveled from Le Bourget Airport where he had been arrested. He expressed gratitude toward those involved in his legal process, emphasizing that Telegram has surpassed its legal obligations pertaining to moderation and crime fighting.
The founder, who started Telegram in 2013, was apprehended after allegedly failing to mitigate Telegram’s use for purposes such as drug trafficking and fraud. Durov labeled his arrest as “misguided” and highlighted that his platform is not an anarchistic space.
His commentary emphasized that legal action should be directed at services rather than the management of these platforms, asserting that one cannot hold CEOs accountable for the illegal actions of users. He also declared plans to enhance Telegram’s measures against criminal behavior on the app, focusing on the small percentage of users that create negative perceptions.
Telegram has committed to improving its moderation practices by collaborating with organizations like the Internet Watch Foundation to better deal with harmful content. Once he returned to Dubai, Durov acknowledged the support of his global user base, highlighting the strength of their community.
In summary, Pavel Durov’s departure from France amid ongoing legal scrutiny underscores both the challenges facing Telegram and the efforts to improve its platform against criminal misuse. Durov’s intentions to enhance moderation practices reflect a commitment to protect the extensive user community while navigating the complexities of legal obligations and societal expectations. His experience emphasizes the critical balance of digital governance and user safety.
Original Source: www.upi.com
