Telegram founder Pavel Durov detained in France

Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of the messaging app Telegram, was detained on 24 August 2024 at Le Bourget airport, near Paris. Days later, French prosecutors placed him under formal investigation over a series of alleged offenses linked to illegal content spread on the platform and refusal to cooperate with authorities. He was released under judicial supervision and a €5 million bail.

The case opened a debate over the criminal liability of tech-platform executives for how third parties use their services. Telegram is, at once, a channel used by criminal networks and a key tool for independent media and journalists in countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Iran or Belarus, where other distribution channels are blocked.

Following the detention, Telegram announced changes to its policy of cooperation with authorities and to its moderation tools.

Source: Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office (official statements).