Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, broke his silence following his detention in France last month. Durov refuted the accusations against him, asserting that his arrest was a misapplication of outdated legal frameworks to hold him personally responsible for the actions of third parties using the platform.
Durov’s statement highlights the complex interplay between privacy, security, and the evolving digital landscape. He argues that the French authorities’ actions, stemming from their inability to reach Telegram, demonstrate a flawed approach.
Telegram has a Designated Representative in The EU
Telegram, he insists, has a designated representative in the EU, publicly accessible contact information, and has even established direct hotlines with French authorities to address issues such as terrorism.
Durov’s message underscores a fundamental tension between the need for law enforcement access and the right to privacy. He posits that “building technology is hard enough as it is,” and that holding innovators responsible for potential abuse of their creations creates a chilling effect on innovation.
He advocates for a balanced approach, recognizing the need to reconcile privacy laws with law enforcement requirements, highlighting technology’s limitations, and emphasizing the importance of global consistency in platform policy.
Durov Renew Principal Commitment to User Privacy
Durov’s stance is further solidified by his unwavering commitment to Telegram’s core principles, which prioritize user privacy. He cites the examples of Russia and Iran, where Telegram’s refusal to compromise on its principles led to its ban in both countries.
Durov acknowledges that Telegram is not without flaws. He recognizes the platform’s rapid growth has created vulnerabilities that malicious actors have exploited.
However, he emphasizes that Telegram actively combats such abuses, removing millions of harmful posts and channels daily, publishing transparency reports, and collaborating with NGOs to address urgent moderation requests.
Despite these efforts, Durov acknowledges the need for further improvement. He recognizes that Telegram’s exponential user growth has led to growing pains, making the platform more susceptible to abuse. He pledges to implement significant improvements in this area, assuring users that details of these changes will be shared soon.
Durov concludes by expressing his hope that the August events will catalyze greater safety and security in Telegram and the social networking industry as a whole.
