The French judicial authorities have decided to extend the detention of Pavel Durovthe founder of Telegramfollowing his arrest last Saturday at Bourget airport, near Paris. The arrest is linked to serious accusations regarding the management of the well-known messaging app, suspected of facilitating illegal activities globally. Sources close to the investigation report that the Parisian investigating judge has ordered the extension of pre-trial detention, which could last up to 96 hours. At the end of that period, Durov, who holds both Russian and French citizenship, could be released or presented before a magistrate, opening the way for a potential indictment.
Reactions in Russia and Growing Uncertainty About Data Security
The news of the arrest of Pavel Durov has generated a strong wave of concern, particularly in Russiawhere Telegram is used as a crucial communication tool, both for the general public and for groups of political dissidentsThe arrest has fueled fears that Durov could be forced to reveal the platform’s cryptographic “keys” to French authorities, compromising user privacy and data security. In a context where Telegram is one of the few media outlets not censored by the Russian government, such a development would be a devastating blow to freedom of expression in the country.
Global Impacts and the Future of Telegram
Durov’s arrest could trigger significant repercussions for Telegram globally. The platform, which has always stood out for its strong emphasis on privacy and the freedomrisks suffering a serious blow to its reputation and user trust if Durov is forced to cooperate with French authorities. This scenario would not only threaten its user base in Russia, but could also negatively affect Telegram’s perception in Europe, where data protection regulations are particularly strict. In an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, Telegram could find itself at a crucial crossroads that will define its future.