Telegram CEO speaks out a year after his arrest.

Telegram CEO makes strong statement after a year of detention in France. Photo: Bloomberg .

A year after his arrest in France, Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of Telegram, reaffirmed his firm stance on data privacy. In an article published on X on August 24th, he stated that he would not allow third parties access to private messages on Telegram.

This statement is seen as a direct response to speculation that Telegram provided a "backdoor" to the French authorities. The Russian entrepreneur asserted that the platform he founded rejects any form of compromise regarding user data and always maintains the principle of absolute confidentiality.

In August 2024, Durov became the focus of global attention when he was detained by French police for four days. Prosecutors accused him of complicity in crime by allowing Telegram to be used for drug trafficking, the distribution of child sexual abuse material, and other illegal activities.

Durov rejected all the accusations, arguing that arresting a tech company executive for user behavior was "unprecedented" and went against fundamental legal principles.

In his latest series of posts, the Russian billionaire emphasized that the year-long investigation "has yet to prove any wrongdoing." Durov also affirmed that his platform always cooperates within the framework of the law, responding to all binding requests from authorities. At the same time, they continue to apply censorship policies that conform to the general standards of the technology industry.

Currently, Durov still has to return to France every two weeks and there is no official date for his appeal. This further strengthens the case's symbolic role in the tension between governments and technology companies over control over user data.

Telegram was founded by Durov in 2013, after he sold his stake in the social network VKontakte and left Russia. Over more than a decade, Telegram has attracted approximately one billion global users, becoming a popular communication tool and an important information channel in many hotspots around the world .

Alongside its popularity, Telegram has consistently faced criticism. Researchers and officials in many countries argue that the platform has allowed the spread of violent content, misinformation, and criminal activity. However, Durov has repeatedly asserted that this is the price to pay for protecting freedom and privacy, which are the core principles of Telegram's operations.

"My arrest doesn't change anything. Telegram will continue to protect user data as promised," Durov declared.