One year after the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, the investigation in France has yet to set a trial date, while the global debate on platform moderation and privacy in encrypted messaging apps intensifies.
The case reflects two opposing trends: demands for content control serving public safety and efforts to protect end-to-end encryption. The outcome of Durov's case could shape how messaging platforms are regulated in the future.
MAIN CONTENT
One year after the arrest, Durov is still under investigation in France with no trial date set; travel restrictions remain in effect.
Europe discusses 'Chat Control' requiring the scanning of all messages; Russia bans WhatsApp, Telegram, and promotes the domestic Max app.
Telegram asserts compliance with the DSA and is willing to leave the market if forced to weaken encryption or open backdoors.
Why is there still no trial for Pavel Durov's arrest?
As the case is in the judicial investigation phase in France, the investigating judge is responsible for determining if there is sufficient evidence for prosecution. As of August 24, the investigation is ongoing with no trial date set.
Durov was arrested in Paris on August 24, 2024, by order of L’Office Mineurs (OFMIN). Since then, he has worked multiple times with the 'investigating judge' and described the residency requirement in France as 'strange and unnecessary', even though he only had to appear periodically every few months. He hopes to soon have the travel restrictions lifted.
What is Durov accused of?
Accusations claim that Telegram does not moderate content, leading the CEO to be held accountable for various actions taken by users, ranging from fraud, drug trafficking to cyberbullying and organized crime.
After OFMIN initiated a preliminary investigation, 12 charges have been raised regarding how Telegram is being used. This is a complex legal test: the boundary between platform responsibility and user behavior, especially when the platform has encryption and operates cross-border.
How does Telegram respond regarding compliance and moderation?
Telegram asserts compliance with EU law, including the Digital Services Act (DSA), and practices moderation according to industry standards. The platform claims to have multiple mechanisms for cooperation with authorities upon valid requests.
The DSA establishes a framework for transparency obligations, addressing infringing content, and cooperating with authorities in the EU. Telegram emphasizes a balance between legal compliance and protecting user privacy, a core tension in today's end-to-end encrypted services.
What are the personal impacts and travel restrictions on Durov?
Durov stated that the incident has caused severe personal harm, including his partner suffering a miscarriage due to stress. He is allowed limited movement to the UAE for work, but remains under surveillance in France.
In a June 2025 interview, he emphasized that he has not been tried yet but is working with the investigating judge to determine if there is sufficient evidence for prosecution. This shows a slow and uncertain case progress, affecting company operations.
"Edward Snowden accuses President Emmanuel Macron of 'taking hostages to gain access to private communications.'"
- Edward Snowden, privacy rights activist and former NSA contractor, August 2024, X
How are governments tightening encrypted messaging services?
Increasing legal pressure: Europe discusses content scanning obligations, while some countries impose bans and replace them with domestic apps. This context poses a dilemma between protecting children, security, and privacy.
Denmark, in its role as the rotating presidency of the EU Council, is pushing for the 'Child Sexual Abuse Prevention and Combat Regulation' bill, criticized by some as 'Chat Control', which requires scanning all messages, images, and videos. The proposal has received support from 19 of 27 countries. The European Cryptocurrency Initiative calls on voters to contact EU lawmakers and will engage in dialogue with legislators in September.
"What is 'Chat Control' and what stage is it at?"
This proposal mandates platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram to scan content for child abuse detection. Reports indicate the bill has gained broad support, but it requires at least 15 countries representing at least 65% of the EU population for passage.
Opponents warn of the risks of mass surveillance and end-to-end encryption breaches. Supporters emphasize the priority of child safety. The outcome of discussions will determine the level of technical intervention into the end-to-end encrypted messaging system.
What is Durov's stance on the demand for a 'backdoor'?
He asserts a priority on encryption and privacy, ready to abandon markets that force decryption, even at the cost of market share. This is a principled statement, reflecting Telegram's consistent but risky strategy.
With this approach, Telegram bets on user trust and privacy standards rather than complying with all technical requirements that contradict company ethics. This also clearly distinguishes between messaging service providers in markets with stringent legal demands.
"Telegram would rather leave a market than weaken encryption through a backdoor and violate basic human rights. Unlike some competitors, we do not trade privacy for market share."
- Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, 2024, Telegram (@durov/410)
What is the environment for encrypted apps like in Russia?
The Russian government has banned WhatsApp and Telegram, accusing them of being exploited for fraud and terrorism, while blocking Facebook, Instagram, and X. Instead, Russia promotes the Max messaging app and the VK social network.
Max is said to integrate public services and peer-to-peer payments but is accused of storing contacts, metadata, IP addresses, access times, and providing them to authorities. The app will be pre-installed on phones sold in Russia from September 1. This context creates a 'closed' model with data centralized under state control.
What does Durov's case reflect about platform responsibility boundaries?
It raises the question: Are platforms criminally liable for user actions if they have provided certain tools and collaboration processes? The answer will profoundly affect innovation, moderation, and the operational models of encrypted applications.
If authorities force platforms to decrypt, the ecosystem could face 'side effects': users switch to harder-to-monitor tools, criminals shift platforms, and tech companies exit the market. Once privacy is eroded, it is very hard to restore.
Comparison table: Approaches to managing messaging apps
The table below summarizes three prominent approaches mentioned.
Model Measure Key Consequences Example in the article EU - 'Chat Control' Scan all messages, images, videos to detect abuse Risks of breaching end-to-end encryption, privacy disputes Proposal pushed by Denmark, supported by 19/27 countries State tightly controls Ban foreign apps, promote domestic apps, integrate public services Centralized data, high surveillance, pre-installed on devices Russia bans WhatsApp, Telegram; develops Max, VK Platform prioritizes privacy Maintains encryption, willing to leave the market if forced to open backdoors Legal risks, loss of market share in some regions Statement by Telegram/CEO Pavel Durov
What is the reaction from the tech and privacy community?
Free speech advocacy groups criticize the arrests, arguing it sets a dangerous precedent for platform development and privacy rights. The TON Society calls it a 'direct assault on fundamental rights.'
On the other hand, concerns about child abuse and cybercrime lead to demands for strong technical intervention. The challenge is designing effective policies to combat crime without undermining privacy protections and the overall safety of legitimate users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Pavel Durov under investigation?
OFMIN (France) is investigating Telegram for allegations of inadequate moderation leading users to commit crimes. Durov is considered an accomplice due to his executive role. Telegram asserts compliance with EU law and collaborates according to industry standards.
When will there be a trial?
No trial date has been set. According to updates in June 2025, Durov is working with the investigating judge to determine if there is sufficient evidence for prosecution. As of August 24, the case is still under investigation.
"Does 'Chat Control' require scanning all messages?"
The current proposal requires platforms to scan all messages, images, and videos to detect child abuse. The draft is supported by 19 of 27 EU countries and still needs to meet certain thresholds for approval according to the bloc's rules.
Does Telegram comply with the DSA?
Telegram states that they comply with EU law, including the DSA, and have established mechanisms for cooperation with authorities within the legal framework. The platform asserts that it does not trade user privacy for market share.
What impact does Russia's ban on WhatsApp and Telegram have on users?
Users in Russia are being directed to the domestic Max and VK apps. Allegedly, Max collects and provides data to authorities and will be pre-installed on devices sold from September 1, increasing the level of surveillance.
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