Kremlin’s Warning to Telegram CEO
In the aftermath of a terrorist attack on a concert venue in a Moscow suburb, the Kremlin has issued a stern warning to Telegram CEO Pavel Durov regarding the platform’s alleged role in facilitating terrorist activities.
Russian President’s Spokesperson’s Remarks
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, publicly addressed Durov, a Russian national, urging him to take more responsibility for the messaging app’s content. Peskov suggested that terrorists are exploiting the platform, as reported by Politico.
Expectations from Durov
Peskov expressed disappointment in Durov, stating, “We would have expected more attention from Pavel Durov, because this unique and phenomenal resource…is increasingly becoming a tool in the hands of terrorists.” Despite these allegations, Russia currently has no plans to ban Telegram, a platform used by approximately 40% of the country’s internet users.
Consequences of the Attack
The warning follows a tragic attack on a Moscow concert hall, claiming the lives of at least 143 people. The assailants were reportedly recruited through a Telegram channel associated with ISIS-K, an affiliate of the Islamic State group.
Telegram’s Response
Telegram did not provide an immediate response to Benzinga’s request for comments. The platform has come under scrutiny for allegedly tolerating hate speech and conspiracy theories. Durov has defended Telegram’s stance on freedom of speech, distinguishing between acceptable political debate and unacceptable promotion of violence.
Security Concerns and Regulatory Challenges
The warning from the Kremlin comes amidst heightened security concerns in Russia. Prior to the attack, the U.S. had reportedly issued a confidential warning to Russia about potential terrorist threats targeting large gatherings in Moscow. Subsequently, Russian authorities arrested 11 individuals linked to the assault. Telegram has also faced regulatory hurdles, such as a ban in the U.S. state of Montana over data-sharing concerns with foreign adversaries.