Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov was arrested near Paris over the weekend in relation to an investigation into criminal activity on the messaging platform. Durov, who is based in Dubai, was in France for a business trip when he was taken into custody. He was also barred from leaving the country as authorities continue their inquiries.
The arrest of Durov comes as a shock to many, as Telegram has been a popular messaging app known for its strong encryption and commitment to user privacy. The platform has gained a significant following in countries where freedom of speech is limited, allowing users to communicate securely without fear of government surveillance.
French authorities have not yet disclosed the specific allegations against Durov or the nature of the criminal activity being investigated on Telegram. However, the company has faced criticism in the past for being used by criminals and terrorist organizations to communicate and plan illegal activities.
Durov, a Russian entrepreneur, founded Telegram in 2013 as a response to government censorship and surveillance. The platform has since grown to over 500 million active users worldwide. Durov has been a vocal advocate for privacy rights and has resisted pressure from governments to provide access to user data.
The news of Durov’s arrest has raised concerns about the future of Telegram and the impact it could have on user privacy. As the investigation unfolds, supporters of the platform are watching closely to see how the situation will be resolved. The company has not yet commented on the arrest of its founder.
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