Following the arrest of Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, far-right users in the United States expressed their worries about potentially losing their favored communication app.

Telegram, a widely used messaging and social media platform in Eastern Europe and beyond, operates differently in the U.S. Here, it has become particularly popular among far-right groups as traditional social media platforms increased their content moderation efforts after Donald Trump’s defeat in the 2020 election. Its lenient approach to moderation has made Telegram a safe haven for extremists and conspiracy theorists.

The recent arrest of Durov, who faces a range of serious allegations related to Telegram’s alleged facilitation of child pornography, drug trafficking, and money laundering, has led to fears among users about potential changes to the platform.

One Proud Boys Telegram channel commented on the situation, stating, “Telegram could go offline or significantly change because of this. Does your PB chapter have a backup communication method? Now is the time to prepare.”

Similar sentiments are being shared among various extremist factions, as noted by Joan Donovan, founder of the Critical Internet Studies Institute, who has been monitoring misinformation and violent incitement on Telegram.

<p“Recently, we’ve observed a rise in fear and paranoia among these groups, with concerns that their personal information might be compromised now that the CEO has been detained,” Donovan explained.

While Durov faces serious charges, it remains uncertain whether this will disrupt the platform’s daily operations.

Adam Hadley, executive director of the nonprofit organization Tech Against Terrorism, remarked that Telegram has previously encountered and overcame significant challenges.

“It is highly likely that Telegram will remain operational,” Hadley stated. He emphasized that while the founder plays a crucial role, Telegram has demonstrated resilience. “The app has weathered numerous governmental attacks, so it’s reasonable to assume it will continue to function.”

Understanding Telegram and Pavel Durov

Telegram is an advanced messaging app that offers encrypted communications that are secure and untraceable.

The platform enables users to create “channels” akin to Facebook groups, allowing moderators to share various forms of content such as videos, images, audio, and links. Additionally, it supports live video streaming and the monetization of content, including the acceptance of cryptocurrency donations.

Durov, 39, co-founded Telegram with his brother in 2013. He has a background that includes being born in Russia, raised in Italy, and obtaining French citizenship while reportedly holding passports from multiple countries. His estimated wealth is considerable, and he currently resides in Dubai, often sharing shirtless images on Instagram. He is frequently accompanied by a close-knit team of programmers and engineers that assist in maintaining the app.

On August 24, Durov was apprehended by French authorities when his private jet touched down at a Paris airport. He faces 12 charges, including involvement in the distribution of child pornography, narcotics trafficking, and money laundering. If found guilty, he could face a prison sentence exceeding ten years.

A message on Durov’s Telegram channel stated: “Telegram complies with EU regulations, including the Digital Services Act, and its moderation practices align with industry standards and are continuously improving.”

Durov’s permissive approach to content moderation has attracted many extremist groups to the platform. Currently, users can find channels dedicated to various groups, including QAnon, armed militia formations, white supremacists, and neo-Nazi organizations.

<p“American far-right groups were encouraged to migrate to platforms that promote free speech and don’t enforce strict content moderation,” Donovan noted.

The migration process was not immediate; users transitioned from Facebook and Instagram gradually. Over time, far-right influencers and organizations recognized Telegram as an effective venue for disseminating their messages and recruiting followers, as explained by Megan Squire, an expert on domestic extremist groups online for over ten years.

Today, numerous U.S. and international extremist factions are active on Telegram. Durov’s arrest has created uncertainty for these groups.

<p“If Telegram ceases to exist, it would be a huge blow to these organizations,” remarked Squire, who serves as the deputy director for the Southern Poverty Law Center. “Many critical features they depend on, such as data storage, video streaming, encrypted chat, and payment processing, would be tough to replicate. It’s unlikely they’ll find another platform offering all these capabilities without content moderation.”

Concerns Over Free Speech

The arrest of Durov has sparked a significant reaction, appearing on numerous Telegram channels linked to domestic extremists, and it has resonated across various platforms. On X, the hashtag #FreePavel gained traction. Advocates for free speech, spanning the political spectrum, condemned the arrest, deeming it a violation of civil liberties.

Far-right media outlets also closely monitored the situation.

“This is an assault on free speech and expression,” stated conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during an interview. “Telegram serves as the home for the dissident movement.”

Following the news of the arrest, Telegram users speculated about alternative platforms they might use if Telegram were to shut down. Suggestions included Trump’s social media network Truth Social, while others expressed a desire to return to X, which had previously banned numerous extremist users but reinstated them after Elon Musk’s acquisition.

This conversation highlighted a reality for America’s far-right, as noted by Donovan: These groups have long been forced to switch from one platform to another, sometimes reverting back to old platforms to escape scrutiny.

Hadley concurred, explaining that such platform shifts likely only provide a temporary decrease in extremist behavior online.

“Simply removing an app or shutting down channels will not eliminate the issue,” Hadley pointed out. “If coordination across platforms does not occur, core activities are likely to just relocate elsewhere.”