Telegram has responded to the arrest of its CEO and founder, Pavel Durov, by French authorities, asserting that Durov has “nothing to hide.” The company argues that it is unreasonable to hold the platform or its owner accountable for any misuse of the service. This response follows Durov’s recent detainment in Paris, which was part of a broader investigation into criminal activities conducted through the social network.

Telegram, known for its minimal moderation and the ability to offer a relatively unrestricted communication platform, is utilized by nearly a billion people worldwide. In its statement, the company emphasized its role as a key source of information, particularly in sensitive contexts such as the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.

The Russian Embassy in Paris has indicated that it has not yet been granted access to Durov. The Telegram founder holds Russian, French, and UAE citizenship, and his arrest has drawn significant attention, particularly from Russian officials. In a rare interview earlier this year, Durov had shared that Telegram strives to remain neutral and generally avoids countries where political attention might compromise its values.