With Telegram, Crime Could Be Just Around The Corner

The all familiar social networking and messaging app Telegram has recently come under fire for the lack of moderation, allowing perpetrators to conduct and facilitate organised crimes through the app.

Founder and CEO of Telegram, Pavel Durov, has recently been placed under arrest in France. His recent arrest was linked to the various allegations made against the firm’s facilitation of orgranised crime on the app.

Mr Durov’s lawyer stated that the firm complied to European digital standards, similar to other social networks. Further adding on that it was “absurb” that Mr Durov was arrested based on allegations of criminal activity that is not of his concern either directly or indirectly.

Till today, it was unprecedented that being an owner of a social media firm can lead to one’s arrests over the way their app is being utilised, sparking debate over issues relating to accountability, the role of social media and freedom of speech.

Many have criticised the arrest as a threat to freedom of speech, many of which include Elon Musk, defending Mr Durov on his platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that also promotes free speech through its platform policies.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2x5yw8z7yo