The company posted an unnamed statement on the Telegram app’s official channel on Sunday, saying “it is absurd to claim that a platform or its owners are responsible for abuse of the platform.” French officials confirmed to multiple media outlets that Durov’s arrest was part of a police investigation into criminal activities on social networks.
Although not encrypted by default, Telegram’s largely hands-off approach to moderation means the app is viewed by many as a private, uncensored alternative to other social networks. “Nearly 1 billion users around the world use Telegram as a means of communication and a source of important information,” the company’s statement read. “We are awaiting a speedy resolution of this situation.”
Telegram is also an important source of information on the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, with the latter appearing to be very interested in what happens to Durov. The Russian Embassy in Paris said that the French government has not yet granted it access to Durov.
Durov said in a rare interview with Tucker Carlson in April that Telegram aimed to be a “neutral” platform and resist government demands for moderation. He said he has largely avoided traveling to “geopolitical powers” because companies there “get too much attention.” “I’ve been to places that I believe are consistent with our work and values.”
