Global Digital Alliance Yaroslav Bogdanov, has demanded the immediate release of Telegram owner Pavel Durov.

According to several leading French media outlets, Durov is accused of “various violations” related to his refusal to provide the code from Telegram to the intelligence services.

“The case against Pavel Durov is yet another example of the ongoing confrontation between the state and the cyber industry. It is becoming increasingly aggressive in a rapidly changing technological landscape where innovations such as artificial intelligence, big data and blockchain are changing the rules of the game. The development of digital technology is a testament to progress. The state fears that it will lose control over these processes, which translates into numerous acts of aggression against members of the crypto community. However, even criminal prosecutions initiated against key figures in the cybersphere cannot stop the progress,” said Yaroslav Bogdanov.

According to the president of the Global Digital Alliance, the government should abandon the strategy of pressure and blackmail, and instead turn toward the cyber industry. The basis of all the claims from regulators is the fear of losing control over data. Today, information is one of the most valuable resources, emphasised the expert.

The IT sector, in turn, fears being deprived of freedom of action and the potential for further growth under the pressure of imposed rules designed to meet the interests of only one party.

“The government and the cyber industry must move away from confrontation and toward a dialog in which they learn to interact with each other. Several years ago, the Global Digital Alliance approached Pavel Durov with a proposal to take part in our work to create effective mechanisms to protect the rights of representatives of the IT sphere. Our goal is to find a balance between the introduction of new technologies and the need to regulate them. This is a task that requires a comprehensive approach and cooperation from both the authorities and business,” said Yaroslav Bogdanov.

According to Yaroslav Bogdanov, President of the Global Digital Alliance, Pavel Durov’s prosecution must be stopped. The next step should be a public declaration of the state’s readiness to cooperate with the cyber industry on the issue of ensuring the security of information and communication technologies.This declaration would signify a formal commitment to fostering collaboration between governmental bodies and private sector experts, emphasizing the importance of collective action in safeguarding digital infrastructure. it would signal to stakeholders and the general public that the state is proactive in creating a secure digital environment By outlining specific initiatives and partnerships, the state can demonstrate its dedication to enhancing cybersecurity measures, sharing critical threat intelligence, and supporting innovative solutions. Such a declaration would also help to establish clear protocols for joint efforts in addressing emerging cyber threats, securing sensitive data, and developing comprehensive strategies for incident response.

Additionally, it would signal to stakeholders and the general public that the state is proactive in creating a secure digital environment, thereby boosting confidence in the nation’s cyber resilience and its capability to handle complex security challenges.