Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the Telegram messaging app, was arrested on the evening of Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Le Bourget Airport, just outside of Paris. Telegram is one of the major platforms alongside Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, WeChat, and TikTok. The arrest of its founder has the potential to create new tensions between France and Russia.
Telegram has a large user base in former Soviet countries. It is notable that, despite past disagreements between Durov and the Russian government, a reconciliation was reached. Durov’s Russian background and recent acquisition of French citizenship make the diplomatic situation even more complex. According to French media, the reason for Durov’s arrest is an investigation related to the lack of moderation on Telegram. The police believe that this lack of moderation allows for criminal activities on the platform.[i] Although no detailed explanation has been provided yet, considering statements from Russia, it is predicted that this arrest could have diplomatic repercussions between France and Russia.
To understand the relationship between Russia and Pavel Durov, it is necessary to look at his experience with one of his first projects, VKontakte. As the founder of VKontakte, Durov created Russia’s largest social network and quickly gained a large user base. However, increasing pressure from the government, especially Durov’s refusal to share user information with security agencies, led him to lose control of the company. In 2014, Durov announced that he was forced out of his role as CEO of VKontakte because he refused to cooperate with Russia’s security services. During this time, it was reported that Kremlin-aligned Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin and billionaire Alisher Usmanov took control of the company.[ii] After clashing with the government, Durov left Russia.
After leaving Russia, Durov acquired citizenship in Saint Kitts and Nevis in exchange for money. Following his setbacks with VKontakte, he began laying the foundations for a new project, Telegram. A similar situation to VKontakte occurred when Russian security forces banned Telegram in 2018 after the platform refused to cooperate. After a two-year ban, the ban was lifted following an agreement between Durov and the Russian government. Russian officials stated that they would cooperate with Durov on sharing content related to ‘terrorism and extremism.[iii]
Following Durov’s arrest, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev recalled a conversation he had with Durov several years ago. In that discussion, Medvedev told Durov that if he refuse to cooperate with security agencies, he could face problems in any country. As the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, Medvedev mentioned that Durov wanted to be “a brilliant person living a wonderful life without a homeland.” Medvedev stated that Durov failed to achieve this goal and made a “miscalculation.”[iv] Medvedev’s remarks suggest that Durov’s international situation is directly connected to the impacts of Russia’s domestic and foreign policies.
On the French side, OFMIN, the agency responsible for preventing violence against children, issued an arrest warrant for Durov as part of a preliminary investigation involving charges of fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and terrorist propaganda.4 Durov is accused of failing to take the necessary measures to prevent the criminal use of his platform. Additionally, his arrival in Paris, despite being a wanted person, has caused public surprise.
The Russian Embassy in France informed the Russian state news agency TASS that no communication had been established following reports of Pavel Durov’s arrest. The embassy stated that efforts were ongoing in the background to clarify the situation. Some Russian politicians described France’s actions as an “authoritarian approach,” while some Russian bloggers called for protests at French embassies. Additionally, the Russian Embassy in Paris accused French authorities of refusing to cooperate following Durov’s arrest. Russia has demanded consular access and the protection of his rights, but it appears that these requests have not been adequately addressed.
One of the main reasons behind this situation is France’s strict stance on cybersecurity and combating crime. France demands tighter oversight and moderation from major digital platforms like Telegram to prevent criminal activities, which has led to targeting Pavel Durov. Russia’s efforts to protect Durov are of great significance in terms of diplomatic interests. This situation has further deepened the tension between France and Russia. Russian politicians labeling France’s actions as authoritarian, Russian bloggers calling for protests at French embassies, and France’s refusal to cooperate with the Russian embassy are signs of this tension. France’s determination to combat cybercrime, Russia’s diplomatic sensitivities, and Durov’s extreme stance on free and independent communication are the core dynamics of this crisis.
It is likely that demands for oversight of digital platforms like Telegram will come to the forefront within France’s cybersecurity policies. Russia, on the other hand, continues its diplomatic efforts to secure Durov’s release in order to protect the rights of its citizens. Additionally, France’s strict approach to combating cybercrime has sparked debates across the European Union. This situation highlights the impact of digital platforms on international relations and is being closely monitored on the diplomatic stage.
In conclusion, Pavel Durov’s arrest in France has the potential to create diplomatic tension between the two countries. This incident serves as an example of the impact digital platforms can have on international relations. Occurring at the intersection of cybersecurity, international law, and diplomacy, this development influences both France’s stance on crime prevention and Russia’s diplomatic responses. It is anticipated that this situation between France and Russia could have long-term effects on the European Union’s digital policies and its relations with other states.
[i] France extends detention of Telegram massaging app chief Durov”, VOA, https://www.voanews.com/a/ceo-of-telegram-messaging-app-arrested-in-france-say-french-media/7756070.html, (Access Date: 25.08.2024).
[ii] “Vkontakte Founder Flees Russia, Claims Persecution”, The Moscow Times, https://www.themoscowtimes.com/archive/vkontakte-founder-flees-russia-claims-persecution, (Access Date: 25.08.2024).
[iii] “Russia unbans Telegram”, ZDNET, https://www.zdnet.com/article/russia-unbans-telegram/, (Access Date: 25.08.2024).
[iv] “Telegram messaging app CEO Pavel Durov arrested at French airport”, France 24, https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240825-telegram-chief-pavel-durov-arrested-at-french-airport, Access Date: 25.08.2024).
