Pavel Durov accused France of pressuring Telegram ahead of the Moldovan elections.
Date: 2025-09-30 Author: Gabriel Deangelo Categories: BUSINESS
Pavel Durov stated that in the fall of 2024, while he was under arrest in France, French intelligence services contacted him through intermediaries demanding that he restrict the operation of certain Telegram channels in Moldova. He claimed the motive was the local authorities' desire to control the information space during the presidential elections.
Durov clarified that after an investigation, some channels were indeed removed because they violated the platform's rules. However, he claims the French side offered "assistance" in his legal case in exchange for continued cooperation. The founder of the messenger called this approach unacceptable and effectively regarded it as an attempt to pressure the judiciary.
Later, Telegram received another list of channels that were proposed for blocking. This time, the issue concerned resources that weren't violating any rules, but merely publishing political views objectionable to the governments of France and Moldova. Durov emphasized that the company refused to comply with such requests, as it makes a point of not removing content for political reasons.
His remarks came amid parliamentary elections in Moldova. According to preliminary results, President Maia Sandu's Action and Solidarity party garnered more than half of the votes. Sandu herself claimed that Russia actively interfered in the voting process. Meanwhile, opposition leader Igor Dodon announced his intention to lead supporters in protests and demand the results be overturned.
Durov noted that the Moldovan situation is just one example of growing government pressure on digital services, especially those that protect user privacy. He noted that similar methods of coercion have been used by authorities in other Eastern European countries, particularly Romania.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the accusations from the Telegram founder, stating on social media that he "often makes loud statements during elections."
It should be noted that Durov remains under judicial supervision in France following his arrest in August 2024. He is required to report regularly to authorities, and a date for his appeal hearing has not yet been set.
Thus, the Moldovan case has sparked a new round of debate about freedom of speech and the limits of state interference in the operation of global digital platforms.
