The founder of Telegram, Pavel Durov, expressed concerns in a recent interview that France might face significant social unrest if it continues its current censorship and regulatory approach. He voiced disappointment with President Emmanuel Macron’s decisions, calling France “weak.” Durov suggested that changing the mindset of a generation, once established, could take decades, warning that prolonged inaction could lead to drastic changes in the country.
“If we delay the necessary reforms for too long, we will experience collapse,” he cautioned, noting that talent is increasingly moving to places like Dubai.
Durov’s comments came during an early June interview where he continued to speak out following his arrest in France in August 2024. This incident sparked backlash from the crypto community and civil rights advocates, who continue to monitor its ramifications on free speech and self-expression in today’s digital landscape.
French Intelligence Agency Attempts to Censor EU Elections
Durov further revealed that the French intelligence agency approached him, requesting that he censor conservative content ahead of the May 2025 Romanian presidential election. He recalled a meeting with Nicholas Lerner, the agency’s head, at the Hotel des Crillon, where this request was made.
He critiqued regulations such as the European Union’s Digital Services Act, likening them to Trojan horses that disguise censorship as consumer protection against misinformation. Durov remarked that such laws could ultimately turn on their creators. “Today they target labeled conspiracy theorists; tomorrow they may target the author,” he stated.
