Archive · 29 Sep 2025
Durov Accuses French Intel of Election Interference
Pavel Durov, who runs Telegram, says the French government tried to get him to remove some Telegram channels in Moldova before an election.
He claims French intelligence asked him to censor specific channels.
In exchange, they offered support for his legal issues.
Durov says he only removed channels that violated Telegram's rules, but he rejected later requests for political censorship.
Durov said he did this because Telegram is committed to freedom of speech.
The French government denied these claims, suggesting it was part of an election narrative.
Pavel Durov accused French intelligence of pressuring him to censor voices.
The alleged pressure was related to the Moldovan presidential election.
Durov claimed the initial request was to remove channels violating Telegram's rules.
He refused a second request which he said was politically motivated.
The French government has denied Durov's claims.
- Who
- Pavel Durov and French intelligence
- What
- Durov alleged French intelligence tried to get him to censor Telegram channels ahead of Moldovan elections.
- When
- Approximately a year before the current date, Durov posted his claims.
- Where
- France and Moldova, focusing on actions related to Telegram
- Why
- Allegedly to influence Moldovan elections; Durov refused to act on the request.
Pavel Durov's Stance
French Government's Response
Censorship Accusation
Pavel Durov's Stance
French intelligence sought to censor content on Telegram.
French Government's Response
The French government has denied Durov's claims and suggests it's related to ongoing elections.
- Key Figure
- Pavel Durov, Telegram CEO
- Allegation
- French intelligence pressured Telegram to censor Moldovan voices
- Election Context
- Moldovan presidential election
- Durov's Legal Status
- Under judicial supervision in France
- French Response
- French government denies allegations
