Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has now reportedly returned to Dubai after spending several months in France amid an investigation into the platform’s alleged use for criminal activities.
Durov announced his departure on his Telegram channel, expressing relief at being back home after facing legal scrutiny related to the misuse of Telegram for disseminating child sex abuse material and other criminal acts.
Durov, who was arrested in Paris last August, remains under investigation, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office.
He thanked the investigative judges for allowing him to leave and acknowledged the efforts of his legal team in demonstrating that Telegram has consistently met its legal obligations regarding moderation and cooperation in combating crime.
The investigation into Telegram’s practices has drawn attention due to the platform’s history of avoiding content moderation, which Durov defends as a commitment to free speech.
However, this approach has made Telegram appealing to a range of malicious users, including terrorists and cybercriminals. Despite Durov’s assurances to improve the platform’s response to criminal activity, Telegram has faced criticism for previously refusing to collaborate with major child safety organizations.
In December, Telegram announced a partnership with the U.K.-based Internet Watch Foundation to help identify and remove child sexual abuse material automatically.
Nevertheless, the platform continues to be used by cybercriminals, as highlighted by recent investigations into scams conducted through Telegram.
Durov’s case illustrates the ongoing challenges faced by social media platforms in balancing user privacy and safety while combating illegal activities.
As he returns to Dubai, the investigation into Telegram’s practices continues, raising questions about the platform’s future and its role in the digital landscape.
[READ MORE: Trump Threatens Russia With New Sanctions Over Refusal to Agree to Ceasefire Deal]
