“Telegram is one of the few but largest Internet platforms over which the United States has no influence. At the same time, the company is active in many countries where the United States has interests. Before the US presidential election, it is important that Biden takes control of Telegram,” Vyacheslav Volodin wrote on his Telegram channel, according to TASS.
According to Volodin, the US uses online surveillance, total censorship and manipulation of social media as strategic means of political control and external influence. He added that through France, attempts are being made to charge Pavel Durov with more than ten crimes covering a wide range of offenses in order to control Telegram in the same way as most other global networks.
“The countries in which Telegram actively operates and develops must understand the nature of what is happening and decide for themselves whether they want Washington to control this platform as well, or whether its operation should remain free from regulations that serve the political interests of the United States,” the Duma speaker added.
Durov was arrested at Le Bourget airport on August 24. The next day, his detention period was extended to 96 hours. French President Emmanuel Macron said the move was not politically motivated and urged the judge’s decision to be awaited, assuring that France is more committed than ever to freedom of expression and communication, innovation and entrepreneurship.
SD/
