Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov has openly criticized French officials for launching what he considers “erroneous” criminal proceedings against him after his recent detention. In the Telegram post, Durov stated that he couldn’t understand how he could be charged for crimes that others commit on the platform. According to Durov, the standard practice is to be dissatisfied with an Internet service and start legal proceedings against it.
Citing Telegram’s dedication to compliance, Durov said that the company has an official representative in the EU, so all such matters can be addressed directly. He said that such legal actions would likely stifle technological innovation and explained, “No innovator will ever develop new tools knowing too well he or she will be made to answer for misuse. ”
He also responded to the false beliefs regarding Telegram as the ‘anarchic paradise,’ pointing out that the platform banned millions of mods daily. However, looking at the challenges arising from rapid user growth, he mentioned that efforts are continuously being made to enhance safety precautions.
Durov was arrested last month to conduct a preliminary investigation into criminal cases related to the use of Telegram. The investigation has charged him with 12 counts: complicity in the use of electronic means to commit a crime, use of information services to commit a crime, and use of electronic means for fraudulent acquisition of other person’s items and property.
The use of information service providers’ services to legalize (sell) property obtained by impbee criminals for goods or services. His case has reignited the debates on free speech, privacy, and toxic speech online, thus attracting criticism from techno activists and tech gurus.
