Telegram CEO Criticizes French Authorities and Announces Changes to Moderation Rules

CEO Pavel Durov's Public Statement

Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, has publicly criticized French authorities for his arrest at Paris' Le Bourget airport on August 24. Durov was charged and detained but also acknowledged that Telegram has room for improvement, especially in dealing with criminal activity on the platform. He expressed his views on the unusual approach of the government targeting CEOs personally rather than taking legal action against the company itself.

Durov's Criticism of Pre-Smartphone Era Laws

Durov, a billionaire tech entrepreneur, stated that using pre-smartphone era laws to charge a CEO for crimes committed by third parties on the platform they manage is a misguided approach. He added that the task of building technology is already challenging, and no innovator would build new tools if they know they can be personally held responsible for potential abuse of those tools.

Engaging with Regulators

Durov also mentioned that Telegram is committed to engaging with regulators to find the right balance between privacy and security. While the platform stands by its principles and mission to protect its users in authoritarian regimes, it has always been open to dialogue.

Reason for Durov's Detention

Durov was detained by the National Anti-Fraud Office (ONAF) over allegations of facilitating various crimes including terrorism, narcotics trafficking, child abuse, money laundering, and fraud on his platform. A source told TF1 TV that Durov allowed an incalculable number of offences and crimes to be committed on his platform without moderating or cooperating.

Telegram's Response to Criticisms

In response to criticisms from French and EU authorities, Telegram has begun implementing changes, particularly regarding chat moderation. Durov acknowledged in a post that Telegram's sudden increase in user count to 950M has made it easier for criminals to abuse the platform. Therefore, he has made it his personal goal to significantly improve things in this regard.

Changes to the App/Platform

Coindesk has described the initial changes to the app/platform as 'radical'. Telegram has altered its stance towards "illegal" use of its messaging days after Durov's arrest. For the first time, users in private chats can "flag illegal content" for review, extending the reach of its moderators to include private chats.

Durov's Stance on the Charges

Despite the changes, Durov maintains that the charges against him are meritless. Some argue that the case is similar to prosecuting Google executives for any criminal or abusive communications or postings. Tech companies often struggle to moderate potentially criminal and offensive content, which is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Questions Raised about Encrypted Communications

The charges against Durov include “complicity” in crimes ranging from possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material to selling narcotics and money laundering. Durov is also being investigated for refusing to comply with requests to enable “interceptions” from law enforcement and for importing and providing an encryption tool without declaring it. This has raised questions about encrypted communications and the lengths European governments might go to stamp out its use among the citizenry.

EU Regulators' Approach and Durov's Release

Reports suggest that EU regulators will enforce the strictest content moderation possible on Telegram, raising concerns about free speech among major social media platform owners, including Elon Musk. Durov was released from custody last week after posting €5 million, or about $5.5 million, for bail. He is currently barred from leaving France, and his movements are being monitored.

Bottom Line

The case of Pavel Durov and Telegram raises thought-provoking questions about the balance between privacy, security, and freedom of speech in the digital age. It also highlights the challenges tech companies face in moderating content and the potential personal liability of their leaders. What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6 pm.