The arrest of Telegram founder opened the debate of the controversial application!

After the French authority arrested Telegram founder Pavel Durov, who holds French, Russian and Emirati citizenship, has shone a spotlight on the encrypted messaging app, which considered the most important tool in the media war between Russia and Ukraine.

Russia is using the application to promote its narrative, as well as the other side, as in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky uses the platform on daily to post his nightly messages.

Experts point out that due to the lack of modern means, Russian forces have also used the application for operations on the battlefield.

Moscow now fears that Durov will give the French the key to decrypting messages exchanged on the app.

There is a genuine fear now that, after the arrest, western intelligence could be able to access to the application decryption.

On Tuesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on the Durov’s arrest that “Charges brought against him are extremely serious, and require equally serious evidence”.

He added, “Otherwise it will be clear that this is an attempt to restrict freedom of communication… and even direct intimidation of the head of a large company”.

The 39-year-old billionaire is a liberal and fierce advocate of internet secrecy but has been controversial for his opposition to moderation of the app he co-founded.

Moscow blocked Telegram in 2018, however the block was removed later in 2021.

Meanwhil, Durov’s detention, which was extended until Wednesday, isn’t expected to have a direct or immediate impact on the conflict, however, this may force many including Moscow to find an alternative to Telegram.

According to many, it’s difficult to predict how long Telegram will remain secure.

According to French judicial authorities, Durov didn’t take measures to limit the misuse of the messaging application by subscribers, in particular not adopting a mechanism to limit extremist content and cooperating with investigators.

The charges against him include refusing to provide information necessary for legally authorized interceptions of communications, complicity in crimes and organized crime on the platform (drug trafficking, child pornography, fraud and money laundering as part of an organized group) and providing encryption services intended to ensure confidentiality without a declaration that ensures the services are in compliance with legislation.

Durov’s arrest has sparked accusations on France, under the pretext of attacking freedom of expression.