Pavel Durov faces 10 years in prison in France cybercrime case

Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, is currently under formal investigation by French prosecutors following the implementation of the LOPMI law in January 2023. This law targets tech executives whose platforms are implicated in illegal activities. Durov faces serious charges, including complicity in facilitating illicit online transactions and involvement in organized crime, which could lead to a potential 10-year prison sentence and a €500,000 fine. The case is notable as it represents the first significant application of this new law, which has yet to result in a conviction. Durov, who has denied the allegations, claims that Telegram adheres to EU regulations. The accusations have prompted Telegram to revise its policy on private chat moderation, indicating a shift in the company's approach to content oversight. This change follows a public commitment from Durov to enhance moderation efforts on the platform after his arrest. The investigation has drawn attention from legal experts and tech companies globally, as it tests the boundaries of the LOPMI law and its implications for tech executives. Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau has praised the law for its potential effectiveness against online organized crime, highlighting its uniqueness with no known international equivalent. As the case unfolds, it raises questions about the accountability of tech platforms and the responsibilities of their leaders in preventing illegal activities. The outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for future legal actions against tech executives in France and beyond.