Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was arrested on August 24 at Le Bourget Airport in France, facing serious charges including drug trafficking, fraud, and terrorism related to the platform's encryption and content moderation. French authorities reportedly acted on U.S. pressure, raising concerns about the implications for free speech and the treatment of tech executives. Durov, once celebrated as a champion of digital privacy, is now seen as a controversial figure, with critics labeling Telegram a haven for criminal activity. The arrest has sparked international debate, with Russian officials demanding Durov's rights be protected and some Western commentators expressing alarm over potential governmental overreach. The incident may further strain Russian-French relations, as Durov's Telegram is widely used in post-Soviet countries. Reactions from political figures and tech leaders highlight fears of a growing authoritarian trend in Europe.