Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, will now appear in a Paris court following his arrest at Le Bourget airport in Paris. The Russian-born tech entrepreneur, who launched the popular messaging platform in 2013, was detained on Saturday over allegations that he failed to adequately address illicit content on Telegram, which now boasts nearly 950 million users.

Durov’s arrest and subsequent court appearance have sparked widespread debate, particularly in countries like Ukraine and Russia, where Telegram plays a crucial role in communication amid ongoing conflicts. The platform, known for its minimal content moderation, has reportedly been both praised for allowing free and open communication and criticised for being exploited by extremist groups and those involved in illicit activities. This controversy has placed Durov and his platform under the intense scrutiny of both legal and political authorities.

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After being detained for up to 96 hours — the maximum duration permitted under French law before formal charges are brought — Durov was taken to a court in Paris. Reports, including one from CNN, noted that Durov was seen exiting the anti-fraud office outside Paris in a police vehicle on Wednesday afternoon. The Paris prosecutor’s office has confirmed that Durov will face initial questioning and could be formally indicted on charges related to Telegram’s content moderation practices.

This case has drawn significant attention, not only because of its implications for content moderation but also due to its potential impact on the broader issue of freedom of expression in the digital era. Telegram’s vast user base and its approach to minimal policing of content have made it an essential tool for various groups, including military personnel and civilians in conflict zones. However, these same features have also made the platform a target for scrutiny by governments concerned about its potential misuse.

French President Emmanuel Macron has addressed the situation, stating that the decision to pursue charges against Durov is “in no way political.”