- Arrest of Durov highlights global discussions about tech regulation and free expression.
- Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski fled Europe amid fears following Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s jail in France.
Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski tweeted that he has “departed from Europe” following the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France. Pavlovski’s exit comes as tensions between Rumble and France rise after the latter had threatened the video-sharing network.
Rumble CEO Criticizes France’s Actions
Pavlovski, a Canadian, highlighted France’s conduct on X (formerly Twitter) on August 25, claiming that Durov’s prison crossed a crucial limit. This incident follows Rumble’s decision in November 2022 to suspend access for French users in response to government requests for the elimination of specific Russian news sites, which Pavlovski has vowed to legally dispute.
Pavlovski also stated Russia’s ban on Rumble for failing to comply with its censorship standards. The Rumble CEO did not reveal his current locations or share information about his next moves.
Telegram, which has almost a billion users, defended Durov, stating that its moderation methods beat industry norms and that the firm follows EU laws. Telegram underlined that it offers critical information to its users and that allegations of platform abuse are baseless.
The French authorities have yet to issue an official comment regarding Durov’s arrest, which purportedly derives from charges of inadequate cooperation with law enforcement on concerns such as child abuse, drug trafficking, and terrorism.
In response, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a formal protest to France, seeking access to Durov. Russian authorities, including Deputy Maria Butina, criticized Durov’s detention as a “victim of the West,” escalating international tensions.
This situation shows growing worries about the balance of national security and free expression, similar to the larger challenges that global tech executives face in the current geopolitical climate.
