Telegram's Durov: One Year After Arrest, What's Next?
Durov Case Stalls: One Year Later
One year has passed since the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, an event that ignited debate around free speech and platform regulation. Durov was apprehended on August 24, 2024, at Paris-Le Bourget Airport, following an investigation by French authorities. He faces 12 charges alleging complicity in crimes committed by Telegram users.
Durov has publicly expressed his bewilderment regarding the charges. Advocates for free speech have criticized the arrest, citing potential ramifications for online expression and the development of open platforms.
Now, a year later, the case has seen minimal progress, while new challenges to user privacy on messaging platforms are emerging globally.
No Trial Date Set
The arrest stemmed from a warrant issued by France’s L’Office Mineurs (OFMIN), which investigates crimes against minors, concerning Telegram's content moderation policies. Investigators have claimed Telegram does not adequately moderate content, making Durov liable for offenses including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, and organized crime.
Telegram maintains it adheres to EU laws, including the Digital Services Act, and that its moderation practices meet industry standards.
The TON Society, backing The Open Network (TON) based on Telegram’s earlier blockchain project, denounced the arrest as “a direct assault on a basic human right.” Edward Snowden accused French President Macron of leveraging Durov as a bargaining chip to access private communications.
Durov broke his silence in September 2024, stating Telegram was “prepared to leave markets that aren’t compatible with our principles.” He conveyed surprise at the arrest, noting Telegram’s existing cooperation mechanisms with law enforcement.
Durov also revealed the personal toll of the investigation, stating that his partner experienced a miscarriage due to the stress.
He made his initial court appearance in December and later gained limited permission to travel to the United Arab Emirates for business while the French case proceeds.
In a June interview with Tucker Carlson, Durov clarified that he is not currently on trial but is subject to inquiries by “investigative judges” to determine if sufficient evidence exists for a trial. He described the requirement to remain in France as “very strange and very unnecessary.”
As of August 24, the investigation remains active.
Global Crackdown on Encrypted Messaging
Durov’s case coincides with increased regulatory scrutiny of encrypted messaging services worldwide.
Denmark, currently presiding over the European Council, has proposed legislation mandating encrypted platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram to scan all user communications. This bill, termed “Chat Control” by critics, aims to combat child sexual abuse and has reportedly garnered support from 19 of 27 EU member states.
The European Crypto Initiative is urging citizens to contact their MEPs and plans to engage with regulators directly in September.
Durov has stated Telegram would prioritize exiting markets rather than compromise its privacy principles. “Telegram would rather exit a market than undermine encryption with backdoors and violate basic human rights. Unlike some of our competitors, we don’t trade privacy for market share,” he asserted.
In Russia, Durov’s home country, the government has banned WhatsApp and Telegram, citing their alleged use in fraud and terrorism. Facebook, Instagram, and X have also been blocked.
Russia has developed its own messaging app, Max, alongside the VK social media platform, which Durov previously created. Durov left VK in 2014 after refusing to share user data on Ukrainian protestors.
Max, which integrates government services and peer-to-peer payments, has been accused of collecting user data (contact lists, metadata, IP addresses, timestamps) and providing it to authorities. New phones sold in Russia will have Max pre-installed starting September 1.
Encrypted messengers face increasing pressure to weaken privacy protections globally, be it due to authoritarian regimes or concerns about child safety. Once eroded, user privacy is difficult to restore. Durov’s case will likely shape the future regulation and development of messaging platforms.