The recent detention of Pavel Durov, the founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, in Paris has raised concerns about the future of the platform, which has become a primary source of information on Russia’s war in Ukraine. Durov, a Russian-born French citizen, was arrested in connection with an investigation into criminal activity on the app and a lack of cooperation with law enforcement.
One in two Russian citizens now use Telegram, up from about 38 percent at the start of the war, according to the Levada Center. The app has become a crucial tool for news and communication after the Kremlin banned most other major Western social media platforms. Independent journalists, military analysts, and volunteers have used Telegram to provide real-time updates on the conflict, raise donations for troops, and assist in evacuations.
Frontline soldiers have also turned to Telegram to document their experiences in the war, and Russian soldiers use the app for military communications. Telegram’s lack of restrictions on violent content has made it a key source for combat footage and information. The platform’s encryption and privacy settings have attracted users looking to communicate sensitive information in an environment of increasing censorship and repression in Russia.
With Durov’s detention, there are concerns about Telegram’s future financial viability and privacy protections. Russian officials have reportedly been instructed to delete the app from their phones, raising questions about the app’s relationship with the Russian government. The detention of Durov could impact the company’s ability to fundraise and maintain its position as the leading platform for news and communication during the war in Ukraine.
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