Telegram CEO Accuses French Authorities of Hurting Free Speech and Tech

Telegram CEO Accuses French Authorities of Hurting Free Speech and Tech

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has sharply criticized French authorities for their approach to regulating internet companies, accusing them of waging a crusade against free speech and technological advancement. Durov's comments come in response to the recent launch of a criminal investigation in France against the social network X, owned by Elon Musk. The probe has raised concerns about the French government's stance on digital platforms and the broader implications for innovation and free expression.

Durov, the founder of the popular messaging platform Telegram, posted on X that French bureaucrats are hindering freedom of speech and technological advancement. He warned that relying on criminal investigations instead of clear and consistent regulatory frameworks risks deterring investment and could severely damage the country’s economic growth for decades [3].

The investigation into X, launched by Paris prosecutors, is part of a broader probe into alleged algorithm misuse and illicit data harvest by the firm or its officials. The probe follows complaints of alleged foreign interference by X from a lawmaker and a senior French official. The alleged crimes include "organised interference with the functioning of an automated data processing system" and "organised fraudulent extraction of data from an automated data processing system" [1].

The probe has added to the pressure on Musk, a former supporter of US President Donald Trump who has accused European governments of undermining free speech and has shown sympathy for some of the region’s far-right groups [4]. Musk has used X to personally support right-wing parties and causes in France, Germany, and Britain.

The investigation into X comes amid a broader debate about free speech online and the role of powerful tech figures. Durov’s arrest in France last year and his subsequent placement under judicial supervision for alleged organized crime on the app has ignited a debate about free speech that has been taken up by senior Trump officials [1].

The probe into X and the broader regulatory environment in France could have significant implications for the tech industry and the broader economy. Durov's warning about the potential damage to investment and economic growth underscores the importance of clear and consistent regulatory frameworks.

References:
[1] https://m.economictimes.com/tech/technology/paris-prosecutors-ask-police-to-join-investigation-of-elon-musks-x/articleshow/122401892.cms
[2] https://www.europeaninterest.eu/french-authorities-raid-national-rally-hq-in-campaign-finance-probe/
[3] https://caliber.az/en/post/telegram-founder-durov-slams-french-authorities-over-internet-regulation
[4] https://www.firstpost.com/world/paris-prosecutors-expand-investigation-into-x-amid-free-speech-data-concerns-13905485.html