Negative sentiments towards Telegram in Asia have skyrocketed by nearly ten times, from 2.4% to 23.7%, following the arrest of its founder, Pavel Durov, in connection with an investigation into criminal activity on the app, according to media intelligence firm CARMA. Conversely, positive sentiments dropped to 23.7% after the arrest.Durov's arrest sparked concerns about Telegram's security and its implications for users. The situation also ignited debates on free speech and the potential political motivations behind the arrest.CARMA reports a total of 162.3k mentions in Asia regarding Durov's arrest, accounting for 9.55% of all conversations about him. A sentiment analysis of these social conversations revealed 25% positive and 31% negative sentiments.Many expressed support for Durov and Telegram, advocating for freedom of speech, privacy rights, and his release. Others discussed local incidents of deepfakes and assaults facilitated through Telegram.Indonesia and Japan led the conversation in North and Southeast Asia, with 30.2% and 24.3% of the share of voice, respectively. Malaysia and Singapore followed with 6% and 3.6%.Executive Visibility Crucial in Times of CrisisDivika Jethmal, head of marketing at CARMA, emphasized the importance of executive visibility in times of crisis. "A leader's public image can profoundly impact a brand's reputation and future. With Durov under scrutiny for serious charges, how the media reports on the incident can alter the public perception of Telegram," she said. Durov Arrested in FranceDurov was arrested at Le Bourget airport near Paris on August 24 following a judicial investigation opened on July 8. The investigation focused on web-mastering an online platform for illegal transactions, refusal to cooperate with authorities, and complicity in child pornography, drug trafficking, and money laundering.Prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed that Durov was questioned by investigators within the procedural framework.Debate on Free Speech and Political MotivationDurov's arrest ignited a debate about free speech on the internet. French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed false accusations from Telegram supporters, stating that the arrest was part of an ongoing judicial investigation and not a political decision. He emphasized France's commitment to freedom of expression, innovation, and entrepreneurship, but also noted that these freedoms must be exercised within a legal framework to protect citizens and their fundamental rights.Telegram's ResponseFollowing Durov's arrest, Telegram issued a statement on X, stating its adherence to EU law, including the digital services act. The platform emphasized its industry-standard moderation practices and ongoing improvements.Telegram defended Durov's innocence and claimed that the platform and its owner are not responsible for abuse. It highlighted Telegram's global reach and its importance as a means of communication and information.(Image credit: TechCrunch)