Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, is being held in custody for a second day in France for questioning related to alleged offenses tied to the messaging app.
Durov, who holds a French passport, was detained at Le Bourget airport outside Paris on Saturday.
The investigating magistrate has extended Durov’s detention beyond Sunday night, allowing for up to 96 hours of questioning. After this period, the judge will decide whether to press charges or release him.
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Telegram has stated that Durov has “nothing to hide” and travels frequently in Europe, adding that the platform abides by EU laws and moderation standards.
Durov’s arrest has sparked reactions from notable figures, including Elon Musk, who called for his release, and Edward Snowden, who criticized the move as an “assault on basic human rights.”
The case raises questions about the responsibility of platform owners for content shared on their services and the balance between freedom of expression and regulation.
