This story has been updated with a statement from Telegram. French prosecutors have placed Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, under formal investigation using a stringent new cybercrime law. What Happened: The LOPMI law,

Pavel Durov, the Russian billionaire founder of Telegram, has been barred from leaving France following his arrest.

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, in his first public comments since being arrested by French authorities, said that Telegram is not an "anarchic paradise" but promised that the platform will enhance its moderation of harmful content.

In a Telegram post, Durov defended himself against the French judicial investigation, suggesting that he personally shouldn’t have been targeted.

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov. once known as the "Russian Zuckerberg", was recently arrested in France. Here's a closer look at his story.

By Gabriel Stargardter PARIS (Reuters) -When French prosecutors took aim at Telegram boss Pavel Durov, they had a trump card to wield - a tough new law with no international equivalent that criminalises tech titans whose platforms allow illegal products or activities.