Pavel Durov, the CEO and co-founder of Telegram, was detained at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France.
The arrest stems from allegations that Telegram has been used for illegal activities such as drug trafficking and child sexual abuse material.
French authorities are investigating Durov for allegedly failing to adequately moderate content on the messaging platform.
Telegram has responded by asserting that it complies with all EU regulations, including the Digital Services Act, and maintains high industry standards for content moderation.
The company argues that holding the platform or its owner responsible for misuse is unjustified.
The arrest has drawn international attention, with Russian officials condemning it as a breach of free speech and support from figures like Edward Snowden.
The situation underscores the broader debate on the role of tech companies in managing illegal content while safeguarding user privacy.
