Telegram CEO Faces Legal Scrutiny in France
According to DLNews, Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, appeared before a Parisian judge on Friday for an in-depth interrogation concerning alleged complicity in criminal activities facilitated through the messaging platform. Durov is under judicial supervision in France following his release in August on a €5 million bail. He faces charges related to the alleged failure to address the distribution of illicit content, including child exploitation materials and narcotics, on Telegram. During a midday break at the Paris Judicial Court, Durov expressed his confidence in the French justice system. He was accompanied by his lawyers, David-Olivier Kaminski and Christophe Ingrain. His release conditions include bi-weekly check-ins with authorities and a travel ban.Despite the legal challenges, sources close to the case indicate that Telegram has increased its cooperation with law enforcement, responding more promptly to judicial requests. Durov, who previously criticized the case as "misguided," has acknowledged the difficulties posed by Telegram's expanding user base, which he estimates at 950 million monthly active users. The investigation has also reignited concerns about Telegram's influence on the TON blockchain ecosystem and its native Toncoin cryptocurrency. As Durov's legal battle continues, Telegram has updated its privacy policies and strengthened its moderation efforts. The case has attracted international attention, with Moscow warning against potential political persecution, underscoring the delicate balance between technological innovation and regulatory scrutiny.