Pavel Durov Warns of Societal Risks from France’s Censorship Policies
Telegram founder Pavel Durov has issued stark warnings about France’s political direction, suggesting current censorship policies could lead to societal instability. In an exclusive interview with Le Point, Durov criticized President Emmanuel Macron‘s administration for weakening France’s global position and driving talent abroad to hubs like Dubai.
The Dangers of Postponed Reforms
Durov emphasized how delayed policy changes create compounding problems. “When you condition generations to certain norms,” he noted, “reversing course becomes exponentially harder.” The entrepreneur warned that without timely action, France risks facing severe social upheaval.
Alleged Censorship Requests by French Authorities
The tech executive revealed that French intelligence officials approached him seeking to remove pro-conservative content about Romania’s 2025 elections from Telegram. Durov refused, maintaining his platform’s commitment to free expression.
Concerns About EU’s Digital Services Act
Durov characterized the EU Digital Services Act as potentially dangerous, arguing its consumer protection framework could enable censorship. “Today it targets so-called conspiracy theorists,” he cautioned. “Tomorrow it may silence its own architects.”
Background: Durov’s 2024 Legal Challenges
The article references Durov’s controversial 2024 detention in France, which drew protests from digital rights groups worldwide. This episode highlighted growing tensions between tech platforms and government oversight in Europe.
