Despite French President Emmanuel Macron being an avid user of Telegram, this did not prevent the arrest of the app’s CEO, Pavel Durov, by French authorities.
In France’s political circles, including among lawmakers, cabinet members, and even President Macron himself, Telegram is widely used for its encrypted messaging capabilities. Macron, who has been using Telegram since his first presidential campaign, was shown as “recently online” on the platform, even as Durov remained in police custody.
Durov’s unexpected arrest upon landing in France has sparked controversy, especially among free speech advocates like Elon Musk and Russian officials. Critics argue that the arrest is emblematic of a broader crackdown on digital freedoms. However, President Macron has denied any political motives behind the arrest, stating that France remains deeply committed to freedom of expression, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into serious charges, including complicity in child pornography, drug trafficking, and organized crime laundering. French authorities have long been frustrated with Telegram’s refusal to cooperate fully with law enforcement, particularly concerning requests to access user data.
Despite security concerns, Macron’s party, Renaissance, continues to use Telegram for communications with journalists, and Macron’s public channel has over 30,000 subscribers. This continued use of Telegram, even after warnings from security officials about the app’s potential vulnerabilities, underscores its deep-rooted presence in French political and media circles.
In response to Durov’s arrest, Telegram issued a statement emphasizing that the platform abides by EU laws and that its CEO has nothing to hide. The company also reiterated that it is “absurd” to hold a platform or its owner responsible for the misuse of the service by users.
While French authorities have attempted to reduce the use of Telegram in official circles due to security concerns, the app remains a staple among many, including President Macron. This ongoing reliance on Telegram reflects its powerful grip on communication within the French political landscape, despite the current legal challenges faced by its founder.