Macron: On Telegram

Following the arrest of Telegram CEO and co-founder Pavel Durov at France's Le Bourget airport last Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron released a statement today clarifying that the case against Durov is not politically motivated. Instead, it stems from an ongoing investigation involving multiple charges, including concerns over Telegram's inadequate safeguards to prevent fraud and manipulation by interest groups that could compromise user safety and trust. Macron emphasized, "France is deeply committed to freedom of expression, communication, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This commitment remains unwavering. In a state governed by the rule of law, freedoms are upheld within a legal framework, both on social media and in real life, to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights. It is the judiciary’s role, in full independence, to enforce the law”

Telegram is one of the world’s most popular messaging apps, the primary reasons people flock to Telegram is its strong emphasis on privacy and security. Unlike many messaging apps, Telegram offers end-to-end encryption through its "Secret Chats," ensuring that only the communicating users can read the messages. Additionally, Telegram allows users to set messages to self-destruct after a certain period, providing an extra layer of confidentiality. This focus on security appeals to users who are increasingly concerned about data privacy in the digital age.

Telegram’s cloud-based infrastructure is another significant factor behind its popularity. This system allows users to access their messages and files from multiple devices simultaneously, without worrying about storage space on their devices. And best of all, Telegram is free and does not serve ads, it’s funded through donations and grants.

Durov previously gave an interview with Tucker Carlson where he explained the essence of Telegram and discussed how freedom of expression and privacy are increasingly at risk in today’s highly monitored digital landscape.