The arrest of Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, in Paris has highlighted the increased scrutiny faced by the messaging app from the West. Telegram has been criticized for its lenient content moderation policies, which have allowed the spread of harmful content by terrorist and criminal organizations.
The app has become a platform for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, enabling the distribution of content, including live broadcasts of a massacre. Despite international pressure, some problematic channels remain active, such as the Gaza Now channel with over 24 million subscribers.
Telegram's unique features, such as large group creation and user anonymity, have contributed to its popularity. Durov's arrest follows the implementation of the European Union's Digital Markets Act, which requires tech companies to monitor and remove illegal content on their platforms.
The arrest has also sparked a global debate on free speech and the responsibility of social media platforms. The implications of Durov's arrest and the regulation of social media firms are still uncertain, but it has highlighted the growing concerns surrounding content moderation and the limits of free speech.
