The surprise arrest of Pavel Durov, co-founder of Telegram, in Paris has brought the platform under scrutiny for alleged involvement in organized crime, child abuse images, fraud, and money laundering. This arrest has raised concerns about Telegram’s content moderation practices and compliance with EU laws, particularly the Digital Services Act. The EU has the most ambitious laws to regulate the internet, targeting platforms that fail to remove illegal content, protect children, combat disinformation, and address other online harms.
The European Commission has distanced itself from the French investigation into Durov, stating it is a national criminal investigation. However, the charges against Durov intensify pressure on the EU and member states, such as Belgium, responsible for regulating Telegram. The platform, with nearly a billion users worldwide, has faced criticism for its role in spreading extremism, criminal activities, and misinformation.
Telegram’s claim to have 41 million active monthly users in the EU is now being scrutinized by the EU, as platforms with over 45 million monthly users are subject to strictest regulation. The commission is considering designating Telegram as a “very large online platform” subject to more stringent requirements. Enforcement of the DSA might be a challenge, as some member states lack the necessary powers to regulate platforms effectively.
Digital campaigners are calling for more transparency from Telegram, urging the platform to provide more information about its user base and content moderation practices. The public and regulators need greater insight into Telegram’s operations to ensure compliance with EU laws and protect users from potential online harms.
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