365int
Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, has been granted temporary permission to leave France amid an ongoing investigation into alleged criminal activities facilitated through the messaging app. Durov, who was arrested near Paris in August 2024 and subsequently placed under formal investigation, has now been authorized to travel to Dubai for several weeks.
The investigation centers on accusations that Telegram has been used for illegal activities, including drug trafficking and the dissemination of child sexual abuse material. French prosecutors have criticized Telegram for its lack of cooperation with law enforcement, alleging that the platform’s policies have enabled organized crime.
Following his arrest, Durov was released on bail set at €5 million, with conditions that included remaining in France and reporting to a police station twice weekly. The recent judicial decision allows him to leave the country temporarily, reflecting a modification of these conditions.
This development has intensified debates about the balance between protecting free speech on digital platforms and ensuring compliance with legal frameworks designed to prevent criminal misuse. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the responsibilities of tech companies in monitoring and controlling content on their platforms.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s Legal Troubles and Platform Scrutiny
