- Telegram, with nearly 1 billion users, emphasized its commitment to free speech and compliance with EU laws.
- The company dismissed the arrest claims as unfounded and highlighted the absurdity of holding the platform or its owner responsible for misuse.
- Telegram called for a prompt resolution, noting its significant global user base and the strong support from its Russian users.
August 26 2024 09:01:24 UTC– Telegram’s Twitter channel Monday confirmed the custody of it founder and owner, Pavel Durov. The messenger service with close to 1 billion monthly active users around the world said, it was not ready to crack down on the freedom of speech.
The statement emphasized that Telegram abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act, and that its content moderation practices are within industry standards and are continuously improving.
In response to reports of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s alleged arrest at a French airport, protesters in Moscow have taken to demonstrating outside the French Embassy, using a symbolic gesture that aligns closely with Telegram’s identity. Large crowds gathered to “bombard” the embassy with paper planes—an emblem of the messaging platform.
The use of paper planes, which are central to Telegram’s branding, is seen as a creative form of protest against what some perceive as an unjust action against Durov. This act underscores the strong support Durov and Telegram enjoy, particularly among users in Russia, where the platform is widely used for its privacy and security features.
Telegram Responds: “Absurd to Claim Responsibility for Platform Abuse”
“Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe,” the company asserted, dismissing the claims against Durov as unfounded. “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for the abuse of that platform.”
Telegram highlighted its global reach, noting that nearly a billion users rely on the platform for communication and as a source of vital information. The statement concluded with a message of solidarity: “We’re awaiting a prompt resolution of this situation. Telegram is with you all.”
As the situation continues to evolve, Telegram’s strong denial and the public’s vocal support suggest that this incident could have broader implications for the company and its operations in Europe.