Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, was detained in France on August 24th. The arrest was related to allegations of violating the encrypted messaging platform’s terms of service.

The Charges

French authorities issued a search warrant targeting alleged offenses ranging from fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, and organized crime. The primary focus of the investigation appears to be Telegram’s purported lack of content moderation.

Impact on Telegram and TON

While the arrest of Durov has sent shockwaves through the tech community, Telegram’s blockchain protocol, TON, has remained operational. The platform’s community has rallied behind Durov, expressing their support for his commitment to freedom of speech and decentralization.

Reactions from Prominent Figures

• Elon Musk: The Tesla CEO and X owner has publicly expressed his support for Durov, sharing a previous interview and using the hashtag #FreePavel.
• Vitalik Buterin: The Ethereum co-founder has expressed concerns about the potential implications of the arrest for software and communications freedom in Europe.
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: The former US presidential candidate has emphasized the importance of protecting platforms that enable free speech and privacy.

Telegram’s Privacy Under Scrutiny

The arrest has reignited discussions about Telegram’s privacy features. Some privacy advocates have raised concerns about the platform’s access to group and one-on-one chats, suggesting that the app may not provide the level of encryption and privacy that users expect.

Read More: Telegram founder Pavel Durov believes Hamster Kombat’s popularity and upcoming token on TON blockchain could attract millions to Web3