French authorities issue preliminary charges against Telegram messaging app CEO

FILE - In this Aug. 1, 2017 photo, Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov smiles following his meeting with Indonesian Communication and Information Minister Rudiantara in Jakarta, Indonesia. A protester holds a placard to bring attention to the arrest of Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of the Telegram messaging app, near the French Embassy in Moscow, Aug 25, 2024. The placard reads: 'Freedom for Pavel Durov.'

French authorities handed preliminary charges to Telegram CEO Pavel Durov on Wednesday for allowing alleged criminal activity on his messaging app and barred him from leaving France pending further investigation.