What could it mean for other platforms, and other tech execs?
Observers believe the case would likely put major messaging platforms under greater control, so that criminal actions are not facilitated through their use.
“What makes this French action so special is the implications it can potentially have for how these international social media platforms treat people in other countries that have nothing to do with what’s happening in France,” said Dr Koskie, adding that new European Union digital rules to clean up what people see online also set out a different landscape to navigate around.
“When France and European Union regulations and policies impact the way they do their work, that could have a downstream effect on how people in (other countries) are able to interact.”
Durov’s indictment is also a rare move by the authorities to hold a top technology executive personally liable for the behaviour of users on a major online platform.
“It’s basically just a sign to not just Durov but also the other executives with Telegram that basically, the authorities are keeping an eye on them,” said Dr Bahfen.
“It’s an indication that the French authorities believe there’s sufficient evidence there to charge him with a lot of these crimes.”
The case has highlighted concerns over the extent of responsibility tech firms should have for the content on the platforms.
X owner Elon Musk and other tech leaders have voiced their support for Durov and criticised the investigation as a challenge to free speech.
Dr Bahfen said that Telegram’s comments on its liability over content posted by users is “a bit of a facetious argument”.
“I’m sure the French authorities are going to look at that and say if you are going to be the means by which criminal acts take place, then you do have to have to be held accountable,” she added.
“It is an incredibly difficult thing to do to balance the rights of free speech with societies’ rights in being free of actions that’ll cause harm to its citizens.”
Experts believe platforms can adopt advanced filters that prevent their services from being used for criminal activities, while still maintaining user privacy.
“It’s an algorithm that sort of identifies it, puts it to the side and says maybe not,” said Dr Koskie.
“So there are ways that they can do this without infringing on people’s privacy.”
Source: CNA
