Why Telegram chief’s arrest raises ‘red flags’ for tech bosses

Although comparing these platforms is superficially appealing – like its competitors, Telegram is not based in France, and Durov is an ally of Musk – there are key differences.
For one, Durov is a French citizen, making him a much likelier target in France.
But also, although Musk trumpets an extreme free-speech position, he generally complies with government takedown orders on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter.
Telegram, however, refuses on principle.
The particular position of Durov and Telegram suggests other tech bosses do not have anything immediately to worry about.
But Penfrat said he was concerned that the move against Telegram could be used as a precedent to go after other encrypted services.
Law enforcement agencies across the world have long argued they need access to encrypted messages to stop criminal activity.
But services like WhatsApp and Signal have pushed back, saying the only way to do that would be to outlaw encryption.