Last weekend, Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of popular encrypted messaging app, Telegram, was arrested. Durov is facing claims that Telegram created a platform that allowed its users to hide illegal activity, such as drug trafficking and distribution of inappropriate child images. On Wednesday, he was found guilty of all the previously listed charges.
Telegram is based out of Dubai, allowing the company's activities to be held hidden due to Dubai’s laws. Telegram claims that they have a couple dozen employees and a little less than one billion monthly users. The company maintains very low operating costs through having very little user moderation. Durov and other executives were able to scale Telegram to be valued at 30 billion, and were said to have an upcoming IPO (Initial Public Offering). We can expect to see some changes through Durov’s arrest, not only with the change in leadership but also the public response.
Pavel Durov funded a large part of telegram. His funding allowed Telegram to scale to the size it is now. Without his funding, telegram projects would most likely be suspended until IPO or significant investment from another party. Durov, being the head of telegram, had a lot of say in the app’s setup. He held a strict no ads policy, which gave away a huge opportunity for profits, which the next leader, if leadership changes, could make happen.
Telegram has been tied to many cases in France, all including sexual abuse, drug trafficking, and online hate crimes. The Paris prosecutor, Laure Becuau, allowed a 5.5 million dollar bail, which has been paid. Durov has been released from custody. If he is properly convicted he could face up to 10 years.
When it comes to the public response to Pavel’s arrest. The arrest has increased debates on digital freedom of speech and what social media companies should be held accountable for. Users on telegram call the arrest government overreach and censorship. We have a new emphasis on freedom of speech through Durov’s arrest. Telegram was created to be against regulations when it comes to communication. This arrest blatantly goes against Telegram’s purpose. Some people say the arrest violates the First Amendment. Some people say the arrest violates the First Amendment.
Overall, despite contrary beliefs that the head of Telegram being arrested would spark user distrust, users are doubling down to protect their favorite encrypted messaging app.
