Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Detained in France

Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the messaging app Telegram, was reportedly detained in France on Saturday night as part of an investigation concerning the app’s moderation practices.

The investigation is said to focus on the platform’s lack of moderators, which raises concerns about the content being shared on Telegram.

Russian Embassy’s Response:

The Russian embassy in France has expressed concern over Durov’s detention, demanding that he be granted consular access and his rights be upheld.

The embassy has accused French authorities of avoiding engagement regarding Durov’s situation, indicating a lack of communication or transparency from the French side.

Who Is Pavel Durov?

Here’s what you need to know about Pavel Durov, the tech entrepreneur behind Telegram:

1. Age and Net Worth: Pavel Durov, 39, is a Russian-born billionaire with an estimated net worth of approximately $15.5 billion.
2. Early Career: Durov’s journey in the tech world began with the creation of VKontakte (VK) in 2006. VK became Russia’s largest social networking site, often compared to Facebook in its functionality and popularity.
3. Departure from Russia: In 2014, Durov left Russia after refusing to comply with government demands to shut down opposition networks on VKontakte. His refusal to cooperate with authorities marked a turning point in his career.
4. Founding of Telegram: After selling his stake in VK, Durov launched Telegram in 2013. The messaging app quickly gained popularity due to its focus on privacy and encryption, attracting users who value secure communication.
5. Global Reach: Telegram now boasts hundreds of millions of users worldwide and is expected to reach one billion monthly active users shortly. The app is particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet states.
6. Conflict with Russian Authorities: In 2018, Russia attempted to ban Telegram after Durov refused to grant state security agents access to users’ encrypted messages. The ban led to widespread protests and criticism from NGOs advocating for digital rights and freedom of speech.
7. Relocation to Dubai: Durov chose Dubai as Telegram’s headquarters after leaving Russia. The city’s favorable business environment and commitment to privacy protection made it an ideal location for the company.
8. Citizenship: In 2021, Durov obtained French citizenship, adding to his citizenship in the United Arab Emirates. This dual citizenship reflects his global presence and the international nature of his business.

Pavel Durov’s detention in France is a significant development, given his influence in the tech world and the growing concerns over digital privacy and platform moderation.

The outcome of the investigation could have implications for Telegram’s operations and its commitment to user privacy.