Telegram CEO, Pavel Durovwas released on Wednesday on bail of 5 million euros after being brought before a Paris court, charged with 12 counts for failing to take steps to prevent the use of its social network Telegram for criminal purposes. However, this is not the only legal problem you may face in Europe, Brussels has opened an investigation to determine whether the messaging app violated EU ruleswhich also apply in Spain.
Telegram has affirmed the past February which had 41 million users in the EU. A figure lower than that established by European Union legislation to consider it a large online platform and, therefore, to be subject to the Digital Services Act (DSA).
Durov’s company was required to re-report its accounts in the region this month. However, as reported The Financial TimesThe company would have limited itself to responding that it responds “significantly less than 45 million monthly active users in the EU.” Officials say the vague response could violate existing law.
Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov.
Reuters
This is why an investigation has been opened to determine the real figure. If it is higher than 45 million, Telegram to comply with stricter moderation measuresthird-party audit and mandatory data sharing with the European Commission. Thomas Régnier, spokesperson for the commission responsible for digital affairs, said FT who have the tools to specify the number of users.
Telegram released a statement last Monday after the arrest of its founder, recalling that “complies with EU laws, including the Digital Services Act“Its moderation is in line with industry standards and is constantly improving.” It has not yet commented on the EU investigation.
European Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, during his speech at the Mobile World Congress.
The European Commission has already opened proceedings against other platforms such as X, TikTok or Meta (Facebook and Instagram) for non-compliance with the regulation. The aim of the standard is make the Internet a safer and more responsible place, establishing a series of requirements for online platforms.
Among the charges for which Pavel Durov was arrested in France is the failure to cooperate with justice by providing data and information on possible criminal actions and accusations related to the operation and encryption of the messaging platform. Also Russian-born billionaire held responsible for spreading child sexual abuse material on Telegram. Two accusations that could apply to the DSA law which requires strict measures for the protection of minors, as well as to combat the spread of disinformation and propaganda.
