The creator of the popular messaging app responds to accusations and explains the company’s stance on security and privacy.
Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of Telegram, has broken his silence after being detained and interrogated by French police last month. In an extensive statement published on his official Telegram channel, Durov addresses concerns about the platform’s security and defends the company’s position on the delicate balance between privacy and law enforcement.
Surprise detention in Paris
According to Durov, he was subjected to four days of questioning upon arriving in the French capital. Authorities informed him that he could be held personally responsible for the illegal use of Telegram by third parties due to the platform’s alleged failure to respond to official requests.
The entrepreneur expresses his surprise at this situation, pointing out that Telegram has an official representative in the European Union responsible for responding to authorities’ requests. Additionally, he recalls personally collaborating with the French consulate in Dubai in the past to establish a direct line with Telegram in the fight against terrorism.
Critique of the legal approach
Durov strongly criticizes the approach taken by French authorities, arguing that holding a CEO personally accountable for crimes committed on his platform using laws from the pre-smartphone era is a mistake. “No innovator will create new tools if they know they could be personally held accountable for the potential misuse of those tools,” he states.
The balance between privacy and security
Telegram’s founder acknowledges the difficulty of finding the right balance between privacy and security. He emphasizes the need to reconcile privacy laws with law enforcement requirements, as well as local laws with those of the EU, taking into account technological limitations.
Durov reaffirms Telegram’s commitment to its principles, shaped by the mission of protecting users in authoritarian regimes, but states that the company has always been open to dialogue with regulators.
Ongoing improvements
With Telegram’s rapid growth, now boasting 950 million users, Durov admits that there have been “growing pains” that have made it easier for criminals to abuse the platform. In response, the CEO has personally committed to significantly improving the situation, promising to share more details about progress in the near future.
Conclusion
Pavel Durov concludes his message hoping that the events of August will result in a safer Telegram and a stronger social media industry. The case raises important questions about the responsibility of digital platforms and the challenge of protecting freedom of expression while combating illicit online activities.