French prosecutors have leveled serious charges against Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, one of the world’s most widely used messaging apps. On Wednesday, Durov was indicted on multiple counts, including complicity in the distribution of child sex abuse images, aiding organized crime, and refusing to cooperate with law enforcement. Following his arrest at an airport near Paris, Durov was ordered to pay a €5 million (approximately $5.6 million) bail and is currently barred from leaving France.
Child protection advocates argue that Telegram has become a hotspot for illegal activity, particularly in the sharing of child abuse images. Laws in both France and the United States allow for the prosecution of tech companies over illegal content, adding to the severity of Durov’s legal challenges.
With over 950 million users worldwide, Telegram and its CEO now face an uncertain future as this groundbreaking case progresses.
