3 sources·Technology

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Returns to Dubai After Legal Woes in France

Pavel Durov has returned to Dubai after being detained for months over allegations of failing to moderate criminal activity on Telegram.

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Durov’s arrest fanned debate over the boundaries of free speech and law enforcement on internet platforms and further strained relations between Paris and Moscow amid the war in Ukraine.
Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Thanks French Judges After Returning to Dubai
Epoch Times·1M
Mixed Reliable
This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
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Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.
Despite Durov’s pledge to reduce abuse of his platform, it’s still a preferred platform for some cybercriminals.
Telegram CEO allowed to leave France amid investigation
NBC News·1M
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Telegram is particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine and former Soviet Union states as well as Iran.
Telegram founder Durov allowed to leave France following arrest
BBC News·1M
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

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Updated: Mar 17th, 2025, 2:24 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, has returned to Dubai after being detained in France for several months related to criminal activity on his platform. Though under investigation, he expressed gratitude to French judges for allowing his departure. Durov has faced allegations of insufficient moderation against Telegram, leading to misuse by criminals. In response, Telegram has committed to improving its moderation practices and cooperating with law enforcement. This case marks a notable moment in the ongoing discussion about the responsibility of tech leaders for content on their platforms.

Perspectives

Compare opinions on this story from liberal (Left), conservative (Right) or center-leaning news organizations.

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has defended the app's moderation practices amid ongoing investigations and asserts that the platform has repeatedly met its legal obligations.
Durov's return to Dubai follows an unprecedented case where a tech CEO was arrested for alleged criminal activity on their platform, raising questions about the accountability of social media companies.
Despite facing scrutiny for being a platform used by criminals, Telegram has made recent changes to enhance its moderation and cooperation with law enforcement.

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