The Belgian Institute of Postal Services and Telecommunications (IBPT), which is tasked with overseeing the work of the Telegram messenger at the EU level, reported that it had not received any information about violations by the messenger of the new European rules regarding the operation of social networks in the EU.
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The regulator commented on the question of whether the detention of Telegram founder Pavel Durov was related to complaints of violation of pan-European rules.
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“IBPT has not yet received information under the EU Digital Services Act about Telegram’s lack of response to the authorities’ orders in accordance with Articles 9 and 10,” Nathalie Dumont, a spokesperson for the Belgian regulator, told
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However, she added that the regulator will continue to closely monitor how Telegram complies with the instructions of the competent authorities.
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In May of this year, it became known that the Belgian Institute of Postal Services and Telecommunications will exercise supervisory functions over the work of the Telegram messenger at the level of the entire European Union. The reason for this decision is the registration in Belgium of the EDSR company, which represents the interests of the Telegram messenger.
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Durov was detained at Paris Le Bourget airport on August 24. According to the French press, Durov, who also has French citizenship, was on the list of people wanted in the country. Durov may be considered involved in a number of crimes, including due to Telegram’s refusal to cooperate with the country’s authorities. According to media reports, the businessman could face up to 20 years in prison.
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Before the expiration of the period of preliminary detention, which was extended to 96 hours, Durov must appear before the court, which will decide whether to keep him in custody.
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Amid accusations of violating freedom of speech, French President Emmanuel Macron said that Durov’s detention was not a political decision, he added that it was allegedly carried out as part of a judicial investigation, and the judges would make the verdict.
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Previously, the European Commission strengthened control over social networks operating in the European Union within the framework of the law on digital services.
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In particular, the European Commission, on the eve of the elections to the European Parliament, opened an investigation against the Meta company due to political content on its social networks Facebook and Instagram. TikTok is also being audited.
