Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Arrested in France, Raising Concerns in Russia

According to Odaily, the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France has sparked concerns among Russian citizens. Since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, Telegram has emerged as one of the few uncensored information sources in Russia. Research by Mediascope indicates that Telegram has become the fourth most popular online service in the country. Industry analysts suggest that Telegram has now become a 'primary information source' for those seeking independent viewpoints. However, Pavel Durov has been charged for failing to curb extremist and illegal content on the platform. Although he has been released on bail, he is not permitted to leave France. Additionally, the European Commission is investigating whether Telegram needs to comply with stricter regulations.