Telegram Boss Rejects French Intelligence Requests To Remove Moldovan Political Channels

JAKARTA - Telegram founder Pavel Durov revealed that he was once asked by the French intelligence service to help censor a number of Telegram channels ahead of the presidential election in Moldova.

After reviewing the channels marked by French authorities (and Moldova), Telegram managed to identify several channels that were proven to have violated platform rules, and immediately removed them.

However, Durov said the intermediary later said French intelligence would "provide good recommendations" to the judge who handled his arrest case in August 2024.

"This is unacceptable. If the institution really approaches the judge it is an attempt to interfere in the judicial process. If not, and only admit to doing so, then that means they are exploiting my legal situation in France to influence political developments in Eastern Europe," Durov wrote on his channel.

Shortly after, Durov added, Telegram again received a second list containing Moldovan channels called problems'. However, different from before, almost all channels on the list are considered legal and comply with platform rules.

"The only thing they have in common is to voice political positions that the French and Moldovan governments don't like," Durov further said.

Telegram refused to follow up on the request. Durov emphasized that his party is committed to free speech and will not remove content for political reasons.

Telegram is committed to free speech and will not remove content for political reasons. I will continue to reveal every attempt to pressure Telegram to censor our platform," he said