French authorities have extended the detention of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov after his unexpected arrest at Paris’ Le Bourget airport on Saturday. Durov is being held under suspicion of facilitating organized crime, terrorism promotion, and other illegal activities through his messaging platform. The move has drawn sharp criticism from free speech advocates who argue that Durov’s detention is an overreach and a dangerous precedent in holding platform owners responsible for user behavior.
The 39-year-old Russian-born entrepreneur, who also holds French citizenship, is being questioned for up to 96 hours, with a possible extension to 144 hours if charges are pressed. France’s OFMIN agency spearheaded the arrest, citing concerns about Telegram’s alleged involvement in criminal activities. Critics point out that Durov’s previous conflicts with the Russian government over censorship make the current detention seem politically motivated.
Telegram responded by stating that holding a platform or its owner responsible for user-generated content is “absurd.” The company reiterated its compliance with EU laws, including the Digital Services Act, and emphasized that its moderation practices are within industry standards. Despite this, some pundits in the West have been quick to suggest “Russian links” as a basis for Durov’s detention, despite his well-documented opposition to the Kremlin.
The case highlights the growing tension between digital freedoms and government control, particularly in Western nations increasingly leaning toward censorship under the guise of public safety. Durov’s continued detention will be a key test of how far governments are willing to go in holding tech companies accountable for content on their platforms.
