NextFin news, Telegram founder Pavel Durov claimed on Sunday, September 28, 2025, that French intelligence services contacted him through an intermediary while he was detained in France last year, requesting the removal of specific Telegram channels related to Moldova ahead of its presidential elections. The request, according to Durov, was part of a broader attempt to influence political developments in Eastern Europe.
Durov stated that the initial list of channels flagged by French and Moldovan authorities included some that clearly violated Telegram's community guidelines, which were removed. However, a subsequent list contained channels that were legitimate and complied with Telegram’s rules but expressed political views unfavorable to the governments of France and Moldova. Telegram refused to remove these politically inconvenient channels.
He further alleged that French intelligence offered to advocate positively to the French judge overseeing his legal case in exchange for cooperation in censoring these channels. Durov described this as an unacceptable attempt to interfere with judicial processes and political affairs.
The Telegram founder also highlighted similar pressures observed in Romania, where authorities face sophisticated disinformation campaigns ahead of elections. He emphasized Telegram's commitment to freedom of speech and its refusal to remove content for political reasons.
This revelation comes amid heightened tensions in Moldova, a country caught between Russian and Western influences, where the integrity of elections has been a concern. Moldova’s deputy prime minister recently accused Russia of cyberattacks targeting the electoral commission, and reports have surfaced about Russian efforts to influence Moldovan public opinion through Telegram channels.
French authorities have not publicly responded to Durov’s allegations. The case underscores ongoing challenges in balancing national security, judicial independence, and free speech on digital platforms in politically sensitive regions.
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