Durov Alleges Pressure Over Moldovan Channels
Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder of the messaging application Telegram, has publicly accused French intelligence services of attempting to coerce him into censoring specific Moldovan Telegram channels. Durov made these claims on Sunday, September 28, stating that the request was made approximately a year ago while he was under judicial supervision in Paris. He alleged that an intermediary approached him on behalf of French intelligence, seeking the removal of these channels ahead of Moldova's 2024 presidential elections.
According to Durov, the intelligence agency offered a quid pro quo: favorable remarks to the judge overseeing his legal case in France in exchange for his cooperation. Durov described this alleged offer as 'unacceptable.' He stated that Telegram initially removed a few channels that 'clearly violated our rules' after reviewing a list provided by French and Moldovan authorities. However, a subsequent list of 'problematic' Moldovan channels was presented, which Durov claimed were 'legitimate and fully compliant with our rules' and were targeted solely for their political views, which were 'disliked by the French and Moldovan governments.' Telegram reportedly refused to act on this second request.
Context of Durov's Legal Troubles in France
Durov's accusations are set against the backdrop of his significant legal challenges in France. He was arrested in August 2024 at a French airport and subsequently placed under judicial supervision. French authorities initiated a preliminary investigation into Durov, indicting him on twelve charges, including alleged complicity in the distribution of child exploitation material, drug trafficking, and fraud on the Telegram platform. He was barred from leaving France for a period and was required to pay a five-million-euro ($5.56 million) deposit.
Durov has consistently denied these charges, labeling them 'legally and logically absurd,' and arguing that a platform's CEO should not be held responsible for the actions of its users. In March 2025, an investigating judge permitted Durov to temporarily leave France, and he has since been allowed to travel for up to two weeks at a time, provided he informs the judge in advance.
French Government's Rebuttal and Previous Claims
The French foreign ministry has swiftly dismissed Durov's allegations. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the ministry stated, 'After Romania, Moldova. @durov likes making accusations while elections are ongoing.' This statement refers to similar claims Durov made in May 2025, when he alleged that France's foreign intelligence agency had requested bans on 'Romanian conservative voices,' accusations which the agency also denied at the time.
Durov's recent statements underscore ongoing tensions between tech platforms and governments regarding content moderation, particularly in politically sensitive regions. He has reiterated Telegram's commitment to 'freedom of speech' and its refusal to 'remove content for political reasons,' vowing to 'expose every attempt to pressure Telegram into censoring our platform.'
5 Comments
KittyKat
Durov is deflecting from his serious legal issues. Classic move.
Eugene Alta
While Durov's claims of political pressure are concerning for free speech, it's also important to remember the very serious charges he currently faces in France, which could certainly color his perspective.
Noir Black
They're trying to silence dissenting voices. Free speech under attack!
Rotfront
French intelligence playing politics. This is exactly why we need encrypted apps.
Kyle Broflovski
He's facing child exploitation charges. Don't believe his victim act.