Michaela
Pavel Durov, founder of the cloud-based messaging app Telegram, has revealed that he has resisted demands from a European Union (EU) country to censor political content on the platform before Romania’s presidential elections on May 18.
“Telegram will not restrict the freedoms of Romanian users or block their political channels,” Durov stated in a post on X, revealing that Telegram was contacted by an unnamed EU country—hinted at with a baguette emoji—to request censorship.
Durov further emphasized that one cannot “defend democracy” by destroying democracy. “You can’t “fight election interference” by interfering with elections. You either have freedom of speech and fair elections — or you don’t. And the Romanian people deserve both,” he added.
In a subsequent X post, Durov revealed that Nicholas Lerner, head of French intelligence, requested that he ban “conservative voices” in Romania ahead of the elections, a demand Durov firmly deсlined. “We didn’t block protesters in Russia, Belarus, or Iran. We won’t start doing it in Europe,” the Telegram founder wrоte.
Telegram and Past Clashes with French Authorities
Durov’s latest dispute with French authorities marks a continuation of past tensions, as he has previously found himself at odds with the government over issues of platform regulation and speech moderation.
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In August 2024, Durov was detained at Le Bourget Airpоrt in Paris, a development that revеrberated across the tech and crypto sectors.
Durov, long known for his resistance to authoritarian demands—including his refusal to comply with Russian government requests to censor dissenting voices—faced serious allegations from French authorities during the arrest.
Officials claimed that Telegram had been used to “support terrorist activities” and facilitate “pedophilia,” prompting widespread concern and scrutiny.
Shortly after Durov’s arrest, Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski left Europe, alleging that French authorities had issued threats against the video-sharing platform, which is known for its emphasis on free speech and limited content moderation.
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Additionally, Pavlovski condemned the French government’s role in Durov’s arrest, describing it as a coercive effort to pressure the Telegram founder into censoring content on the platform.
As debates over digital rights and state oversight intensify across Europe, Durov’s standoff еmphasizes the growing friction between tech platforms advocating free expression and governments seeking greater control.
Read More
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MICHAELA
Michaela is a news writer focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain topics. She prioritizes rigorous research and accuracy to uncover interesting angles and ensure engaging reporting. A lifelong book lover, she applies her passion for reading to deeply explore the constantly evolving crypto world.
