The arrest of Telegram messenger founder Pavel Durov in France caused a wave of discussions and disputes. The French authorities explain the detention of the accusation of facilitating the spread of illegal materials through the Telegram platform, which, according to Paris, makes Durov an accomplice in criminal activity.
The official version
The French authorities claim that the lack of moderation on the Telegram platform, as well as opportunities for anonymous communication and use of cryptocurrency wallets, make Durov responsible for drug trafficking, spreading pedophilic content and fraud. In particular, these charges have been the main reason for the arrest, reports TF1.
Alternative versions
Fighting crime and extremism
One version is that Telegram, due to its anonymity and encryption, has become a platform for illegal activity, in particular for terrorist acts, drug trafficking and the spread of child pornography. The French authorities are probably trying to deal with these problems, but critics believe that Durov's arrest may be part of a broader fight against crime.
Political context
Another version is related to recent events when anti -Israeli hackers used Telegram to publish stolen data. Durov's refusal to give this data censorship could cause pressure from Israel to Paris, which led to arrest. This version is confirmed by the fact that the arrest warrant was signed 20 minutes before Durov arrival in Paris.
Contacts with Putin and the Russian-Ukrainian War
Another version implies that the arrest may be related to Durov's meeting with Putin in the tank. It is suggested that this visit could be part of the Telegram activity strategy in the context of Russian-Ukrainian conflict, as well as information war and propaganda.
Scenario with Russian special services
Telegram is often associated with Russian special services, and the arrest of Durov may be part of a wider international game. It is known that Durov has long avoided traveling to the countries where the messenger is supervised, so his visit to Paris raised some questions. This may indicate that arrest is part of political and geopolitical games related to the information war.
Reaction
The arrest of Durov has already attracted the attention of international media and politicians. Ilon Musk called the detention as "a harbinger of the executions in Europe" and stated that it was a "first amendment" to the US Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech. American journalist Taer Carlson described the incident as a "living warning" for the owners of platforms who refuse censorship.
If France is able to impose its interpretation of this incident, it can significantly affect the global policy of information. In particular, Durov's arrest can be a signal for other countries and platforms about the importance of cooperation with the authorities and fulfilling the requirements for content moderation.
Telegrams that have about 900 million users can become even more popular in the West, especially in the United States, where the presidential election will be held soon. The scandal can also increase attention to the messenger and lead to an increase in its popularity.
In the end, the arrest of Pavel Durov has become a prime example of how the struggle for control of information platforms can have far -reaching political consequences.
