Telegram has issued a statement asserting its full compliance with European Union (EU) regulations, emphasizing that its content moderation practices are in line with industry standards. The company highlighted that it adheres to the Digital Services Act and continually works to enhance its moderation efforts. Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, frequently travels within Europe, suggesting transparency in the platform’s operations.
This statement follows Durov’s recent arrest at a French airport, which was reportedly linked to a criminal complaint about Telegram’s content moderation. French authorities have criticized the platform’s moderation as insufficient. While no formal charges have been filed, initial reports indicate that prosecutors might hold Durov and Telegram responsible for criminal activities allegedly organized through the platform.
In defense, Telegram contends that it is unfair to hold the platform or its owner accountable for how users might misuse it. The company argued, “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner is responsible for abuse of that platform,” and reaffirmed its commitment to improving moderation and adhering to legal standards.
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The Russian embassy in France has sought clarification from French officials regarding Durov’s detention and requested protection of his rights and consular access. The embassy has noted a lack of cooperation from the French side, reflecting the diplomatic dimension of the situation as Russian authorities advocate for Durov’s rights.
Telegram also referenced a March 2024 post by Durov, in which he predicted challenges related to the platform’s growth and content moderation policies. Durov acknowledged that major social media platforms face criticism over content moderation, drawing a comparison to Meta, which despite facing negative media coverage, achieved a trillion-dollar valuation. He suggested that Telegram might experience similar growth challenges.
The arrest has also attracted attention from the cryptocurrency community. Justin Sun, founder of Tron, has shown support for Durov by proposing a $1 million donation to a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) aimed at facilitating Durov’s release.
In response to the news, Telegram-related cryptocurrencies have experienced varied market reactions. Toncoin (TON), associated with Telegram, has seen a decrease of 2.45% in its value, reflecting the broader impact of the situation on the financial ecosystem surrounding the platform.
The ongoing developments highlight the complex challenges tech companies face in content moderation, legal compliance, and navigating regulatory demands. The situation will likely continue to be closely examined by regulators and industry analysts.
