The arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France underscores a critical debate on whether online platforms are legally responsible for their users’ speech. Durov faces 12 criminal allegations, including complicity in serious crimes. This unprecedented move by a liberal democracy raises questions about the extent of governmental control over online speech. The case parallels the 2016 arrest of Facebook executive Diego Dzodan in Brazil, who was detained over WhatsApp messages related to drug trafficking but released after a judge deemed the detention “unlawful coercion.” Critics argue holding tech companies liable for user activities is unreasonable.