Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Arrested in France Amidst Controversy

Telegram founder Pavel Durov was arrested at Le Bourget airport near Paris, sparking criticism from Moscow and Elon Musk. The arrest is tied to a preliminary police investigation into potential criminality on Telegram. Durov, known for advocating free speech, faces possible indictment, with the platform's role in geopolitics under scrutiny.

Pavel Durov, the Russian-born billionaire founder of Telegram, was taken into custody at Le Bourget airport outside Paris after landing on a private jet late Saturday. The police cited a preliminary investigation into possible criminal activity due to Telegram's moderation policies.

Moscow issued a stern warning to Paris, demanding that Durov's rights be respected. Elon Musk, owner of the social media platform X, claimed that free speech in Europe was under attack. French and Russian media confirmed the arrest, but there has been no official statement from French authorities.

Telegram, a Dubai-based company, was created by Durov to promote free speech and has become significant in Russia and Ukraine. The platform faces scrutiny from various governments over data security concerns, raising questions about its neutrality. Durov's arrest marks a critical juncture in the ongoing clash between privacy rights and regulatory demands.

(With inputs from agencies.)