Telegram Founder Durov Slams French Legal Pressure as Struggling Case Lacks Evidence

Pavel Durov, the founder of the messaging application Telegram, has once again criticized the French government for its ongoing legal case against him, calling it “struggling” to find any wrongdoing. In a recent post on Telegram, Durov stated that over a year has passed since his arrest in August 2024, yet the investigation continues to lack any substantial evidence [1]. He described the case as “strange” and criticized the requirement for him to return to France every 14 days with no clarity on an appeal date [2].

Durov emphasized that Telegram’s content moderation practices align with industry standards and that the platform has always complied with legally binding requests from France. He also dismissed the notion that a tech company should be held responsible for the actions of its independent users, calling it “legally and logically absurd.” The founder warned that the legal action has already caused “irreparable damage” to France’s reputation as a nation that upholds freedom [3].

The arrest of Durov, a prominent figure in the tech and cryptocurrency communities, sparked widespread backlash. Free speech advocates, human rights groups, and members of the crypto community accused the French government of using the case to pressure Durov into altering Telegram’s privacy policies. The case initially centered on allegations that Telegram hosted harmful content and failed to comply with French legal standards [1].

French President Emmanuel Macron has denied the arrest was politically motivated, asserting that the legal system must uphold freedoms within a legal framework. However, his comments were met with sharp criticism, with Mert Mumtaz, CEO of Helius, questioning why Macron himself was not held accountable for not controlling all crime in France [2].

Durov has consistently maintained that Telegram will not compromise user privacy, including by surrendering encryption keys or creating backdoors. He has also made it clear that the company would rather leave a jurisdiction than submit to censorship demands [3]. This stance has positioned Telegram as a symbol of resistance against government overreach in digital spaces, particularly in the realm of encrypted communication.

The ongoing case highlights a growing tension between regulatory bodies and tech platforms that prioritize user privacy. French authorities have pointed to Telegram’s alleged failure to prevent the spread of illegal content as a justification for the investigation. Durov, however, argues that a platform cannot be held legally accountable for the independent actions of its users. This debate reflects a broader global challenge in balancing digital rights with regulatory oversight.

From an analytical perspective, the lack of progress in the case raises questions about the legitimacy and transparency of the legal process. In the absence of proven misconduct, the continuation of the investigation could be seen as an overreach. If the case remains unresolved, it could further strain the relationship between digital platforms and governments, particularly in jurisdictions with strong regulatory frameworks. Durov’s high-profile status and media-savvy responses suggest a deliberate strategy to draw international attention to the issue.

The case also underscores the complexity of governing digital platforms in an era where privacy and encryption are increasingly central to user expectations. As the legal process continues, the outcome may set a precedent for how similar cases are approached in the future, particularly in countries with strict regulatory environments.

Source:

[1] Telegram founder Pavel Durov says case going nowhere ... (https://cointelegraph.com/news/pavel-durov-case-going-nowhere-slams-french-gov)

[2] Pavel Durov Slams French Government Over ... (https://www.ainvest.com/news/pavel-durov-slams-french-government-unprecedented-legal-pressure-2508/)

[3] BTCUSD - Telegram founder Pavel Durov says case going ... (https://mx.advfn.com/bolsa-de-valores/COIN/BTCUSD/crypto-news/96693425/telegram-founder-pavel-durov-says-case-going-nowhe)