Telegram founder Pavel Durov. ARCHIVE

The UAE is "closely following" the case involving Pavel Durov, the Dubai-based billionaire founder of Telegram, who remains detained following his arrest in France earlier this week. Durov, who holds dual UAE and French citizenship, was taken into custody on Sunday (August 25) at Le Bourget airport outside Paris. He was apprehended by French authorities on his private jet due to an outstanding arrest warrant linked to an ongoing preliminary investigation, according to sources cited by media outlets. On Tuesday (August 27), the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) highlighted that the UAE has urgently requested the French government to provide Durov with all necessary consular support. MOFA emphasized that ensuring the welfare of UAE citizens, protecting their interests, and offering comprehensive support are top priorities for the UAE. Reports indicate that the investigation focuses on allegations that Telegram, under Durov’s leadership, failed to implement adequate moderation measures, potentially allowing criminal activities to go unchecked on the platform. Telegram, known for its strong emphasis on privacy and user rights, has about 900 million users globally, making it one of the most widely used messaging apps in the world. French media have suggested that Durov might face formal charges. His arrest has sparked discussions on the challenges of platform moderation and the responsibilities of social media companies to prevent their platforms from being exploited. Durov co-founded Telegram in 2013 with his brother Nikolai. Originally from Russia, Durov left his home country in 2014 after refusing to comply with Russian government orders to shut down opposition communities on his previous social media platform, VKontakte. Durov’s career has been marked by a consistent stance against government overreach. In an interview earlier this year with American journalist Tucker Carlson, Durov reaffirmed his commitment to freedom, declaring that he would "rather be free than take orders from anyone." Following his departure from Russia, Durov, whose net worth is estimated by Forbes to be $15.5 billion, sought a new base for Telegram. He spent time in various cities including Berlin, London, Singapore, and San Francisco before eventually choosing Dubai as his residence. ICA/Expat Media
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