Telegram is not an ‘anarchic paradise,’ says Durov.
Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, has dismissed allegations that the messaging platform is overrun with lawlessness. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The CEO has refuted allegations that the messenger serves as a safe haven for criminals.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov asserted that it is inaccurate to depict his encrypted messaging platform as a space where criminals operate without consequences.
The Russian-French entrepreneur defended Telegram following allegations from French authorities regarding its role in the distribution of illegal content.
In a detailed statement posted on his Telegram channel on Thursday, Durov mentioned his past cooperation with French law enforcement. He noted, “When asked, I personally helped them establish a hotline with Telegram to deal with the threat of terrorism in France.”
Durov acknowledged that Telegram, which boasts over 950 million monthly active users, has faced “growing pains” that have allowed some criminals to misuse the platform. He promised to “significantly improve” content management.
“Establishing the right balance between privacy and security is not easy. You have to reconcile privacy laws with law enforcement requirements, and local laws with EU laws,” Durov added, emphasizing the company's openness to dialogue and commitment to working with regulators.
The tech billionaire further stated that Telegram is “prepared to leave markets that aren’t compatible with our principles,” mentioning previous disagreements with regulators in Russia and Iran. Telegram was blocked in Russia from 2018 to 2020 and remains inaccessible in Iran.
“We are driven by the intention to bring good and defend the basic rights of people, particularly in places where these rights are violated,” Durov remarked.
However, he acknowledged that Telegram is not flawless. He noted that the confusion faced by authorities regarding where to send requests is an area for improvement. Nonetheless, he characterized the media's portrayal of Telegram as an “anarchic paradise” as entirely false.
In response to criticisms about inadequate moderation practices, Durov highlighted that Telegram removes “millions of harmful posts and channels every day” and regularly publishes “daily transparency reports” detailing actions against illegal content, including child exploitation and terrorism.
French police detained Durov two weeks ago upon his arrival at Paris-Le Bourget Airport. He was charged with multiple offenses related to crimes occurring within Telegram, but was released on bail shortly thereafter. Prosecutors indicated that the messenger's purported reluctance to cooperate with authorities led investigators to Durov, a claim the CEO has rejected, asserting that Telegram has not ignored law enforcement requests.
Navid Kalantari contributed to this report for TROIB News
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov asserted that it is inaccurate to depict his encrypted messaging platform as a space where criminals operate without consequences.
The Russian-French entrepreneur defended Telegram following allegations from French authorities regarding its role in the distribution of illegal content.
In a detailed statement posted on his Telegram channel on Thursday, Durov mentioned his past cooperation with French law enforcement. He noted, “When asked, I personally helped them establish a hotline with Telegram to deal with the threat of terrorism in France.”
Durov acknowledged that Telegram, which boasts over 950 million monthly active users, has faced “growing pains” that have allowed some criminals to misuse the platform. He promised to “significantly improve” content management.
“Establishing the right balance between privacy and security is not easy. You have to reconcile privacy laws with law enforcement requirements, and local laws with EU laws,” Durov added, emphasizing the company's openness to dialogue and commitment to working with regulators.
The tech billionaire further stated that Telegram is “prepared to leave markets that aren’t compatible with our principles,” mentioning previous disagreements with regulators in Russia and Iran. Telegram was blocked in Russia from 2018 to 2020 and remains inaccessible in Iran.
“We are driven by the intention to bring good and defend the basic rights of people, particularly in places where these rights are violated,” Durov remarked.
However, he acknowledged that Telegram is not flawless. He noted that the confusion faced by authorities regarding where to send requests is an area for improvement. Nonetheless, he characterized the media's portrayal of Telegram as an “anarchic paradise” as entirely false.
In response to criticisms about inadequate moderation practices, Durov highlighted that Telegram removes “millions of harmful posts and channels every day” and regularly publishes “daily transparency reports” detailing actions against illegal content, including child exploitation and terrorism.
French police detained Durov two weeks ago upon his arrival at Paris-Le Bourget Airport. He was charged with multiple offenses related to crimes occurring within Telegram, but was released on bail shortly thereafter. Prosecutors indicated that the messenger's purported reluctance to cooperate with authorities led investigators to Durov, a claim the CEO has rejected, asserting that Telegram has not ignored law enforcement requests.
Navid Kalantari contributed to this report for TROIB News
