Pavel Durov, the CEO and founder of the messaging app Telegram, was arrested by French police on Saturday night at Le Bourget Airport, north of Paris. Durov’s detention follows a warrant issued for offenses related to Telegram’s moderation practices, with allegations suggesting that the app has failed to adequately address criminal activities.

The 39-year-old billionaire was reportedly apprehended after his private jet landed at the airport. French authorities have charged Durov with not taking sufficient measures to combat illicit uses of the app, including drug trafficking, child sexual content, and fraud. Telegram has consistently denied claims of inadequate moderation.

Durov, who was born in Russia and now resides in Dubai, holds dual citizenship of the United Arab Emirates and France. Telegram, which he founded in 2013, is notably popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet states. The app was banned in Russia in 2018 due to Durov’s refusal to comply with demands for user data, although the ban was lifted in 2021.

Following his arrest, the Russian Embassy in France issued a statement on Facebook expressing concern over the lack of cooperation from French authorities. The embassy stated it is working to “clarify the reasons for the detention” and ensure Durov’s rights are protected.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova took to Telegram to question whether Western human rights organizations would remain silent about Durov’s arrest, given their previous criticism of Russia’s actions against Telegram. Several Russian officials have condemned the arrest, accusing the West of double standards on free speech and democracy.

American whistleblower Edward Snowden, who has been living in Russia since 2013, criticized the arrest on social media, describing it as an attack on basic human rights. Similarly, Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), used the platform to advocate for Durov, posting under the hashtag #freepavel and commenting on the situation.

Telegram, which allows groups of up to 200,000 members, has faced criticism for facilitating the spread of misinformation and extremist content. In the UK, the app has been scrutinized for hosting far-right channels linked to recent violent disturbances in English cities. Despite removing some groups, experts argue that Telegram’s moderation system is less robust compared to other major social media platforms.

The arrest of Pavel Durov has sparked significant international debate about digital freedoms and the responsibilities of tech companies in moderating content.

The UK military is set to launch its inaugural dedicated Earth-imaging satellite, named Tyche, marking a significant milestone in the country’s space capabilities. Scheduled to lift off on a SpaceX Falcon rocket from California at 11:20 local time (19:20 BST), Tyche will orbit Earth at approximately 500 kilometers altitude and is expected to operate for at least five years.

The 160kg satellite, built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) in Guildford, is designed to provide high-resolution imagery of battlefield positions and vehicles. With a resolution of up to 90 centimeters, Tyche will capture detailed optical images, although it will not reach the 10-centimeter resolution of some classified US satellites.

Tyche’s development is a product of the UK’s Space Command Paper (2021) and the Space Defence Strategy (2022), which outlines a £970 million investment over ten years in the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTARI) program. This initiative aims to establish a sovereign constellation of military and national security satellites equipped with advanced technologies, including radar sensors capable of imaging in all weather conditions and at night.

Maj Gen Paul Tedman, commander of UK Space Command, described the launch as the beginning of a broader space defense strategy: “The space defense strategy lays out how we’re going to become a meaningful space power by 2030. We anticipate many more satellite launches in the coming months and years. Tyche is absolutely the start of that journey.”

Tyche’s propulsion system, which uses water to generate thrust through superheated steam, is a notable feature. The satellite carries 10 liters of water, providing enough for five to seven years of operation. The contract for Tyche is valued at £22 million.

Despite these advancements, the UK has faced criticism for its space capabilities. A 2022 Commons Defence Select Committee report labeled the UK as “at best, a third-rank space power,” and raised concerns about the ISTARI program’s future prospects, citing the Ministry of Defence’s history of delays and budget overruns.

The recent change in government and a comprehensive review of defense needs may impact the future of the ISTARI program. Julia Balm, a research associate at the Freeman Air and Space Institute, King’s College London, noted the importance of maintaining commitment to long-term space projects: “Any negative developments or cutbacks in the ISTARI program could reflect poorly on the UK’s ability to execute large-scale projects and its commitment to becoming a space power.”

As Tyche prepares for its historic launch, it represents a significant step toward enhancing the UK’s sovereign space capabilities and addressing the nation’s growing need for advanced satellite imaging technology.

The ongoing strike by video game actors, which began on July 26, may soon affect online games if the dispute over generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) remains unresolved. The union SAG-Aftra, representing around 2,500 performers, has been in contention with game companies over AI’s role in game development, particularly concerning the replication of human performances.

During a recent picket outside Warner Bros’ offices, one of the ten game companies negotiating with SAG-Aftra, the union voiced concerns that the current offers from game developers do not provide adequate protections for performers. According to Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-Aftra’s chief negotiator, the dispute primarily revolves around how Gen AI is used to replicate human performances without fair compensation.

The strike’s immediate impact on video game production is somewhat limited. Games that began development before September 2023 are exempt from strike action, meaning this year’s major releases, including the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6, are unlikely to be affected. However, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland predicts that “live gaming” titles, such as Fortnite and Apex Legends, which are regularly updated with new content, will experience the strike’s effects sooner.

Despite this, many popular online games were developed before the strike began, and Electronic Arts, which produces several live-service games, has stated it does not expect immediate disruptions. The union has indicated that if the strike extends beyond 60 days, it will include live-service games in its actions.

The core issue of the strike is the use of AI to replicate performances. Generative AI systems, which produce content based on existing data, could potentially duplicate actors’ voices, faces, and bodies without proper compensation. This concern follows a similar dispute that halted Hollywood productions last year, also led by SAG-Aftra.

Stunt performers are particularly worried, as their motion-captured movements could be used to create in-game animations, treated as data rather than performances. Actor Abubakar Salim, known for his role in Assassin’s Creed: Origins, expressed fears about AI replacing human voices and performances. He argues that while AI can augment game development, it cannot replace the human touch essential to quality content.

Crabtree-Ireland emphasizes that SAG-Aftra is not opposed to AI but seeks a “fair and ethical” agreement to ensure performers are not exploited. The union urges for protective measures as AI technology advances rapidly, asserting that other industries have already addressed similar concerns, leaving video game companies increasingly isolated in their stance.

As negotiations continue, the future of video game production and the role of AI in the industry remain uncertain, with the potential for broader impacts on both game development and the performers who bring these games to life.