Telegram has firmly stated its adherence to European Union laws, including the Digital Services Act, in the wake of its CEO Pavel Durov’s recent arrest in France. The messaging app, widely used across the globe, emphasized that it maintains industry-standard content moderation practices and is committed to continuous improvement in this area.
In a statement released following Durov’s arrest, Telegram asserted its full compliance with EU regulations. “Telegram abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act. Our content moderation practices are aligned with industry standards and are constantly being refined,” the company declared. The statement also highlighted Durov’s transparency, noting that he has “nothing to hide” and travels frequently throughout Europe.
Durov’s arrest occurred at a French airport and was connected to a criminal complaint focusing on Telegram’s content moderation. French authorities reportedly believe that the platform’s moderation practices are inadequate, leading to criminal activities being organized or disseminated through Telegram. However, formal charges have yet to be published, and the company has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Telegram responded to the arrest by expressing its frustration with the situation. “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for the misuse of that platform,” the statement read. The company has also taken steps to address the situation, seeking clarification from French authorities and demanding consular access for Durov. According to the Russian embassy in France, the French authorities have so far not cooperated with these requests.
The timing of Durov’s arrest coincides with recent challenges faced by Telegram. In a March 2024 post, Durov had anticipated such difficulties. He noted that large social media platforms often become targets for criticism due to the content they host. “All major social media platforms are easy targets for criticism due to their content,” Durov wrote. He drew parallels with other tech giants, such as Meta, which faced similar scrutiny but eventually achieved significant success.
Telegram’s response underscores its commitment to improving its platform and adhering to regulations. The company has made efforts to address concerns related to its content moderation practices, aiming to align with evolving legal standards and community expectations.
In light of Durov’s arrest and the ongoing legal issues, the crypto community has rallied in support of him. Notably, Tron’s Justin Sun has pledged to donate $1 million to a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) dedicated to Durov’s release, provided the DAO is created in a decentralized manner with sufficient community backing. This gesture reflects the broader support from within the crypto sphere, highlighting the interconnected nature of technology, regulation, and global advocacy.
As Telegram navigates this challenging period, the company’s adherence to EU regulations and its commitment to improving content moderation practices will likely be scrutinized closely. The resolution of Durov’s legal troubles and the platform’s response to regulatory pressures will be pivotal in shaping its future trajectory. The situation continues to evolve, with Telegram striving to balance compliance, user safety, and operational integrity amidst a complex regulatory landscape.
