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Telegram CEO addresses the Public for the First Time Since French Authorities Targeted Him
Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the messaging service Telegram, has spoken out for the first time since French authorities targeted him in a recent probe. In his public statements following the charges against him, Durov has vowed to take action against criminal activity on the platform.
Durov expressed his disbelief at being singled out by the French court, arguing that holding a CEO personally responsible for crimes committed by users goes against the principles of technology innovation. He emphasized the challenges of building technology and warned that such actions could stifle innovation in the future.
While acknowledging that Telegram is not without its flaws, Durov admitted that the rapid growth of the platform had made it easier for criminals to exploit it. He recognized the need to address this issue and promised to implement changes to improve security and curb illegal behavior on the platform.
The CEO was taken into custody by French authorities at Le Bourget airport in August and subjected to four days of questioning as part of a larger investigation. He has since been released on bail but is required to report to the police twice a week. Despite his Russian origins, Durov also holds French citizenship.
The charges against Durov include allegations that Telegram is used for trafficking drugs and sharing child sexual abuse material. French authorities claim that he has failed to cooperate with law enforcement requests for information, leading to further scrutiny of the platform.
In response to these accusations, Durov highlighted the various channels through which authorities could contact Telegram for assistance. The platform provides a public email contact for an EU representative, as well as a bot on its website for users to report illegal content. It also offers an email and phone number for competent EU authorities to reach out for cooperation.
Durov expressed surprise at the claims made by French authorities, citing his past efforts to collaborate with them on security issues. He mentioned his involvement in establishing a hotline with Telegram to address terrorism threats in France, demonstrating his willingness to work with law enforcement agencies.
The CEO stressed that the proper procedure for addressing concerns with an internet service is to take legal action against the service itself, rather than targeting individual executives. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between security and innovation in the tech industry.
Looking ahead, Durov remains committed to improving security on Telegram and preventing criminal activity on the platform. He reassured users that internal measures are already in place to address these issues and promised to provide updates on their progress.
In conclusion, Pavel Durov’s recent comments shed light on the challenges faced by tech companies in balancing innovation with security concerns. His willingness to engage with authorities and address their issues demonstrates a commitment to responsible governance of the platform. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these efforts will impact the future of Telegram and its users.
