Telegram CEO Pavel Durov's Arrest By France Means 'They Practically Detained The Head Of Communication Of The Russian Army,' Says Military Blogger

Pavel Durov, CEO of the social media platform Telegram, has been detained by French authorities. The arrest has sparked concerns in Russia, where the military heavily relies on Telegram for communications.

What Happened: Durov, the CEO of Telegram, was arrested in France on allegations of his platform being used for child pornography, drug trafficking, and organized crime. The arrest has caused a stir in Russia, as Telegram is extensively used by the Russian military for battlefield communications.

"They practically detained the head of communication of the Russian army," a Russian military blogger channel stated on Telegram. The Russian military’s Main Communications Directorate has shown little interest in developing an alternative to Telegram, but Durov’s arrest might expedite the process, reported Politico.

Russian policymakers are alarmed and calling for Durov’s release, fearing that he may hand over encryption keys to French authorities, potentially exposing user communications. French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that Durov’s arrest was not politically motivated.

Telegram, despite its popularity, has been criticized for its lack of moderation, making it a haven for illicit activities. The platform denies any ties to the Russian government and insists that it abides by EU laws.

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Why It Matters: Durov faces 12 serious charges, including involvement in child pornography distribution, drug-related offenses, organized fraud, and money laundering. This extensive list of charges has intensified the debate about freedom of expression, digital rights, and the balance between security and privacy in the online sphere.

President Emmanuel Macron denied any political motivation behind Durov’s arrest. However, the incident has sparked global concern, with figures like Elon Musk expressing shock and hinting at extreme regulation and censorship in the region, as reported by Benzinga.

The arrest of Durov could potentially disrupt the communication system of the Russian military and lead to a shift in their communication strategy. The situation also raises questions about the security and privacy of user data on Telegram.

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This story was generated using Benzinga Neuro and edited by Shivdeep Dhaliwal