Author: Parmy Olson

The recent arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov at Le Bourget airport in France has sparked controversy in the tech industry. With Elon Musk and Paul Graham speaking out in support of Durov, many are questioning the impact on free speech and innovation. However, Durov’s detention is not just government overreach but a result of concerns over Telegram’s role in facilitating criminal activities. Charges against Telegram include enabling child sexual-abuse material distribution, drug trafficking, and money laundering. While other platforms like Meta Platforms and TikTok have stricter policies, Durov’s arrest signals a shift towards holding social media accountable for illegal…