French investigation into instant messaging app founders involves six major charges, with a maximum sentence of 10 years.

Recently, the French judiciary announced a formal investigation into the founder of a well-known instant messaging application. The founder is accused of multiple illegal activities, including assisting in illegal transactions, refusing to cooperate with law enforcement, and participating in the dissemination of harmful content.

According to the announcement from the Paris Prosecutor's Office, the founder faces six main charges:

1. Assisting in the management of illegal trading platforms can result in a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of 500,000 euros.

2. Refuse to provide necessary information or documents to assist with legal surveillance when required by law enforcement.

3. Participating in multiple illegal activities, such as spreading programs that attack data systems, disseminating inappropriate content involving children, drug trafficking, organized fraud, etc.

4. Suspected organized crime money laundering activities.

5. Provide encryption services without declaration to ensure the confidentiality of communication.

6. Providing and importing cryptographic technology without prior declaration.

These allegations cover multiple areas, from cybersecurity to financial crimes, highlighting the law enforcement agencies' broad concerns regarding the operation of the platform. This has sparked discussions about the balance between privacy protection in instant messaging applications and the needs of law enforcement.

Industry experts point out that this case may have far-reaching implications for the global instant messaging industry, prompting countries to re-examine relevant laws and regulations. At the same time, it highlights the challenge for technology companies to seek a balance between user privacy protection and compliance with the law.

As the investigation deepens, more details are expected to be revealed. Regardless of the outcome, this case will become an important milestone in exploring privacy, security, and legal boundaries in the digital age.