Telegram CEO says he was ‘surprised' by his arrest and interrogation

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has made a public statement after being interviewed by French authorities in connection to an investigation into criminal activity on the messaging platform. Durov expressed surprise at his arrest and emphasized the app’s aim to protect users in authoritarian regimes. He acknowledged that the platform’s rapid growth had allowed for abuse by criminals, but assured users that measures are being taken to improve security. Durov also questioned the legal approach of holding him personally accountable for crimes committed by others on the platform.