Telegram Defends EU Compliance After CEO Pavel Durov’s Arrest Over Moderation Allegations

• Telegram says its moderation practices comply with the Digital Services Act and meet industry standards amid CEO’s arrest.
• French authorities allege insufficient Telegram moderation linked to illegal activities, though no formal charges have been filed yet.
• Telegram calls accusations absurd, stating neither the platform nor CEO Durov are responsible for misuse by platform users.

Telegram has reaffirmed its commitment to European Union laws, including the Digital Services Act (DSA), following the arrest of its CEO, Pavel Durov, in France. Durov was detained at a French airport, prompting Telegram to issue a statement clarifying its content moderation policies. The company emphasized that it adheres to industry standards, while dismissing claims that either Telegram or Durov should be held responsible for misuse of the platform.

Compliance with Digital Services Act

Telegram stated that its content moderation practices align with EU law, notably the DSA. The company highlighted ongoing improvements to these practices and reiterated that it meets industry norms for content moderation. 

Telegram emphasized that its CEO, Pavel Durov, frequently travels to Europe and has nothing to hide regarding the company’s operations. The arrest follows a criminal complaint from French authorities, who allege Telegram’s moderation efforts may be insufficient, leading to criminal activities on the platform.

Criminal Investigation in France

Although specific charges have yet to be filed, French authorities are reportedly linking Durov and Telegram to illegal activities organized or shared on the platform. However, Telegram called these allegations “absurd,” maintaining that neither the platform nor its owner should be held responsible for user misconduct. 

The Russian embassy in France also weighed in, demanding clarification and cooperation from French authorities regarding Durov’s detention. The embassy criticized France’s reluctance to provide information or consular access in this matter.

Industry-Wide Challenges

Telegram linked to a previous statement from Durov in which he foresaw potential challenges tied to content moderation. Durov noted that all major social media platforms, including Meta, have faced criticism for their moderation efforts. He predicted that Telegram may face similar scrutiny as it grows.

Meanwhile, figures within the crypto community, such as Justin Sun, have expressed their support for Durov, with some even suggesting the creation of a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) to aid in his release.