Expert weighs in on the impact of formal investigation into Telegram: Video
The Head of Money and Markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, Susannah Streeter has provided insight into the implications of the formal investigation into Telegram, particularly in light of the recent arrest of the company's CEO, Pavel Durov.
"The arrest of Pavel Durov has certainly come as a surprise, but it's important to note that law enforcement agencies have been closely monitoring Telegram for some time. The platform has been under scrutiny due to allegations of its use by terrorist organisations, drug traffickers, and extremist groups," Streeter explained.
She highlighted the growing global concern among regulators about the role of social media platforms in facilitating the activities of extremist groups. "There has been heightened concern among regulators worldwide about the use of social networks by extremist groups, and that's why Telegram has been under the spotlight. However, it's not the first platform to face such scrutiny over the spread of extremist content."
Streeter noted that while the arrest of Durov is an unexpected international development, it also emphasises the increasing pressure on social media giants to address the misuse of their platforms.
"The arrest of the CEO is certainly a big and unexpected move, signalling the seriousness with which authorities are now addressing these issues," she added.
The Russian-born billionaire and founder of the Telegram messaging app, was arrested at Le Bourget airport near Paris on Saturday evening. He was taken into custody shortly after landing on a private jet.
