2 months ago
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Pavel Durov, founder of the messaging platform Telegram, was charged in France on Wednesday for allegedly enabling a wide variety of crimes from drug trafficking to the distribution of child sexual abuse materials.
The press release issued by prosecutors in France on Wednesday listed crimes that include “distributing images of minors presenting a pedo pornographic nature” as well as “organized fraud,” and “association with criminals to commit crimes or offenses,” according to an English language translation.
The 39-year-old Durov founded Telegram in Russia in 2013 but moved to the UAE in 2014. Durov holds citizenship in France, the UAE, and the Caribbean countries of St. Kitts and Nevis, according to the Associated Press.
Telegram responded to the news of charges possibly being pressed against Durov earlier Wednesday by calling it “absurd” that the founder would be held responsible for the actions of others on the platform.
“It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform,” Telegram wrote. “Almost a billion users globally use Telegram as means of communication and as a source of vital information. We’re awaiting a prompt resolution of this situation. Telegram is with you all.”
Durov reportedly paid bail of €5 million, or roughly $5.5 million dollars, according to the New York Times, and will be required to check in at a local police station twice a week. He faces 10 years in prison if convicted.
The case is being watched closely within the tech community, given the fact that it’s the first time the head of a major social media network is personally being held responsible for content on his platform.
