Telegram defends record on crime as CEO returns to Dubai after arrest

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov said the social messaging platform has gone beyond its legal obligations in content moderation and crime prevention.

In a March 17 statement on Telegram, Durov said:

“When it comes to moderation, cooperation, and fighting crime, for years Telegram not only met but exceeded its legal obligations.”

His comments come as French authorities continue investigating the platform’s role in combating illegal activities.

With nearly 1 billion users worldwide, Telegram ranks among the most widely used messaging applications.

However, the platform has faced increasing scrutiny over its content moderation approach, resulting in Durov’s arrest in August 2024.

At the time, the French authorities claimed the messaging app had been complacent in addressing criminal activity on its platform.

The officials alleged that the app was not doing enough to prevent illicit activities such as child exploitation, drug trafficking, and online hate crimes.

The arrest led Telegram to implement stricter content moderation policies. The platform updated its FAQ section to reflect a more proactive stance on reporting illegal content.

The messaging app also stated that it has prioritized eradicating child sexual abuse material (CSAM), terrorist propaganda, and fraudulent schemes from its platform.

Return to Dubai

Durov made these remarks after returning to Dubai, his primary base of operations.

Despite the ongoing case, Durov expressed relief at being home. He also thanked Telegram’s global user base for their support during his legal ordeal, stating that the platform’s vast community remains resilient in the face of challenges.

Durov said:

“I’m also deeply grateful for the millions of people around the world who have shown their support throughout this unexpected journey — it has meant a lot. There is nothing our billion-strong community can’t overcome.”

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