Telegram refuses to block dozens of channels: Durov explains the consequences

Telegram Founder Pavel Durov in a conversation with journalist Lex Fridman revealed that French intelligence services hinted at possible assistance in his case in France after the messenger restricted access to several channels in Moldova.

According to the entrepreneur, in the fall of 2024, shortly before the presidential elections in Moldova, representatives of French intelligence approached his team requesting to block several channels under the pretext of combating interference. Telegram deleted some resources, considering them in violation of platform rules. However, when a new list with dozens of channels was submitted, the team refused to comply with the demand, finding no grounds for blocking.

Durov noted that he soon received a signal from intelligence officers: after removing some channels, they allegedly approached the investigating judge handling his case in France. According to the Telegram founder, he was shocked by this approach and didn't understand what the elections in Moldova could have to do with the investigation against him.

Earlier, Durov had already stated that French intelligence offered help with his case in exchange for censoring channels before the Moldovan elections. At that time, he emphasized that Telegram does not remove content for political reasons.