VOLUME 54

Thank you for subscribing to The Pace Report. I hope you’re ready for yet another exciting volume. Let’s get into it!

— Jacob Pace

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Charged in France Over Illegal Activity on App

What happened: Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, has been formally charged in France with multiple offenses, including complicity in distributing child pornography, facilitating drug trafficking, and refusing to cooperate with law enforcement. Durov was arrested on August 24, 2024, at an airport near Paris and was detained for four days before being released on bail. The bail was set at €5 million (approximately $5.6 million), which he paid, and Durov has been barred from leaving France.

What’s next: During the ongoing investigation, Durov is required to report to the police twice a week. Telegram has publicly dismissed the allegations, arguing that it is unreasonable to hold the platform or its founder responsible for the misuse by its users. The investigation is expected to continue over the coming months, possibly extending for years as French authorities delve deeper into the accusations. The outcome could set a precedent for holding tech companies accountable for user activities, potentially reshaping the responsibilities and liabilities of digital platforms globally.

Zuckerberg Regrets Yielding to White House Pressure to Censor Content During COVID-19

What happened: Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, recently expressed regret over yielding to White House pressure to moderate content during the pandemic. In a candid discussion, Zuckerberg acknowledged that his company may have gone too far in censoring information.

Why it matters: As major tech companies navigate the wild world of content moderation, Zuckerberg’s comments emphasize the ongoing tension between government influence and the protection of free expression online (which clearly other platforms such as Telegram and even X have started to face). This issue is especially critical as the 2024 U.S. elections approach, with major platforms like Meta facing scrutiny over their content policies

Kelce Brothers Hit 'New Heights' with $100 Million Podcast Deal

What happened: NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce have signed a $100 million deal with Amazon’s podcast studio, Wondery, for their show "New Heights." The agreement covers exclusive ad-sales and distribution rights, marking another major move in the booming podcast industry, following the recent $125 million dollar deal between SiriusXM and Alex Cooper’s ‘Call Her Daddy’.

Why it matters: The deal reflects the increasing value and influence of podcasting as a medium for both entertainment and advertising. The Kelce brothers’ success follows in the footsteps of other major podcasting deals, signaling that this space is continuing to grow and evolve.

Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks YouTube Subscriber Record with Channel Debut

What happened: Cristiano Ronaldo has shattered yet another record, this time on YouTube. The football star reached 30 million subscribers within two days of launching his channel (as of this writing, his channel is currently at 50 million subscribers), making it the fastest to hit that milestone on the platform.

Why it matters: Ronaldo’s success on YouTube further solidifies his status as a global icon, extending his influence beyond the football field. His channel, which offers fans a glimpse into his personal life and interests, shows the appeal of celebrity-driven content in the digital age, which many other icons in the past few years have started to do as a means to build their brand and build new business units.