Telegram’s founder Pavel Durov says France’s intelligence chief asked him to block Romanian conservatives before elections—a request he refused.
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| Pavel Durov says French intel urged him to ban Romanian conservatives on Telegram before elections. France denies, citing respect for democratic processes. Image: CH |
Paris, France – May 19, 2025:
Telegram founder Pavel Durov has ignited a diplomatic stir after alleging that France's top intelligence official requested the banning of Romanian conservative voices on the platform in the lead-up to the country’s national elections. Durov said he flatly refused the appeal, citing Telegram’s consistent stance on freedom of expression.
The controversy surfaced late Sunday when Durov posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “This spring at the Salon des Batailles in the Hôtel de Crillon, Nicolas Lerner, head of French intelligence, asked me to ban conservative voices in Romania ahead of elections. I refused.” He added, “We didn't block protesters in Russia, Belarus, or Iran. We won't start doing it in Europe.”
Durov’s claim coincided with Romania's surprise presidential election result, where centrist mayor of Bucharest Nicușor Dan defeated a hard-right nationalist challenger aligned with the ideological style of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The timing of the revelation has raised eyebrows, with implications of foreign influence attempts in an EU country’s democratic process.
Earlier on Sunday, prior to the X post, Durov had hinted at the issue in a more cryptic message shared on Telegram, using a baguette emoji as a subtle nod toward France but stopping short of directly naming the country. That message sparked speculation, prompting an official response from the French foreign ministry.
“France categorically rejects these allegations and calls on everyone to exercise responsibility and respect for Romanian democracy,” the ministry said in a statement. It firmly denied any interference in Romania’s internal political affairs, stressing the country’s commitment to democratic values.
The French intelligence service has not issued a public comment on the matter, though journalists have reached out for an official response. The Romanian government has yet to react publicly to Durov’s claims or the French denial.
Telegram, known for its encryption features and light-touch content moderation, has often drawn criticism and praise alike for refusing to cooperate with censorship demands—even in countries with authoritarian regimes. Durov has previously faced pressure from governments around the world, but his public resistance to Western influence attempts could signal a new phase of scrutiny for European democracies.
The incident raises broader concerns about tech platform governance during elections, misinformation control, and the role of intelligence agencies in regulating digital discourse. As elections near in other EU nations, the balance between free speech and information security is likely to remain at the forefront of public debate.