TASS source says Durov's arrest done 'in spirit of EU's Digital Services Act'
A source from Brussels informed TASS that the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov embodies the principles of the EU Digital Services Act. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) stipulates that tech companies are responsible for moderating content on their platforms, and this framework has been highlighted following the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France, as reported by TASS on Sunday, referencing a source within the EU's legal system.
Durov, a Russian tech entrepreneur with citizenship in France, the UAE, and St. Kitts and Nevis, was detained upon arriving at Paris-Le Bourget Airport on Saturday. He reportedly faces accusations related to his failure to prevent criminal activities on the Telegram platform.
According to the TASS source, Durov’s arrest aligns “fully in line with the spirit and the principles” of the DSA, stating, “If the operator wants to avoid penalties, it must automatically take down the content banned by the European regulator.”
The source further explained that the DSA “does not contain personal or criminal liability,” suggesting that the prosecution in France has taken a more severe approach. Durov’s legal team could encounter “additional difficulties,” especially since the charges may be linked to French national security, complicating any public advocacy efforts due to his Russian citizenship.
Having left Russia in the mid-2010s due to disagreements with the government, Durov has predominantly resided in the UAE. He acquired French and Emirati citizenship in 2021.
He has maintained that it is his “principled position” to keep user data private, asserting he “would rather be free than take orders from anyone.” During an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson in April, Durov revealed he faced pressure from the US government to install a surveillance “backdoor,” which he declined.
In a statement released on Sunday, Telegram affirmed that its content moderation policies align “within industry standards.”
Numerous public figures, both in Russia and internationally, have criticized Durov’s arrest, characterizing it as an infringement on freedom of speech and the free flow of information. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that the consulate in Paris has sought access to Durov.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
Durov, a Russian tech entrepreneur with citizenship in France, the UAE, and St. Kitts and Nevis, was detained upon arriving at Paris-Le Bourget Airport on Saturday. He reportedly faces accusations related to his failure to prevent criminal activities on the Telegram platform.
According to the TASS source, Durov’s arrest aligns “fully in line with the spirit and the principles” of the DSA, stating, “If the operator wants to avoid penalties, it must automatically take down the content banned by the European regulator.”
The source further explained that the DSA “does not contain personal or criminal liability,” suggesting that the prosecution in France has taken a more severe approach. Durov’s legal team could encounter “additional difficulties,” especially since the charges may be linked to French national security, complicating any public advocacy efforts due to his Russian citizenship.
Having left Russia in the mid-2010s due to disagreements with the government, Durov has predominantly resided in the UAE. He acquired French and Emirati citizenship in 2021.
He has maintained that it is his “principled position” to keep user data private, asserting he “would rather be free than take orders from anyone.” During an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson in April, Durov revealed he faced pressure from the US government to install a surveillance “backdoor,” which he declined.
In a statement released on Sunday, Telegram affirmed that its content moderation policies align “within industry standards.”
Numerous public figures, both in Russia and internationally, have criticized Durov’s arrest, characterizing it as an infringement on freedom of speech and the free flow of information. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that the consulate in Paris has sought access to Durov.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
