Telegram CEO Pushes Back on French Government’s Censorship Demands

Telegram has strongly rejected claims of French interference, with founder Pavel Durov accusing France’s intelligence agency of pressuring him to censor conservative voices ahead of Romania’s election.

Durov said the DGSE’s real intent was political—not counterterrorism—despite France denying the allegations. He emphasized Telegram’s consistent stance on free speech and its active efforts to combat abuse. The clash underscores growing tensions between encrypted platforms and European governments over political control and surveillance.

Clever Robot News Desk 20^th May 2025