Telegram CEO Responds to French Charges; Vows to Combat Criminality on Platform

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov addresses initial charges from French authorities over the alleged use of the platform for criminal activities. Durov defends himself, citing outdated laws, and promises to improve security on Telegram to curb misuse by criminals. He plans to provide updates on progress soon.

Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has pledged to enhance efforts to combat criminal acts on the messaging app, following preliminary charges from French authorities accusing him of facilitating illegal activities on the platform.

In a Telegram post, Durov responded to the French judicial inquiry, asserting that the charges against him were unwarranted.

"Using laws from the pre-smartphone era to charge a CEO with crimes committed by third parties on the platform he manages is a misguided approach," Durov stated. Emphasizing the company's commitment to improving security, he acknowledged that the surge in Telegram users presented 'growing pains' that criminals exploited. Durov assured that significant measures are already underway and promised to share future updates.

(With inputs from agencies.)