Telegram Founder Warns France Faces Societal Collapse Due to Censorship

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has issued a stark warning about the potential societal collapse in France, expressing his concerns over the country's current political trajectory. Durov believes that France is moving towards increasing censorship and other restrictive measures, which could lead to significant societal upheaval if not addressed.

During an interview, Durov stated that Emmanuel Macron is not making the right choices, leading to a weakening of France. He emphasized that if the current mindset is instilled in one or two generations, it will take decades to change, and delaying necessary reforms could result in a collapse. Durov also warned that France is losing talent to other jurisdictions like Dubai due to its current policies.

Durov's comments come at a time when France is facing various political and social challenges. His warnings highlight the broader implications of restrictive policies on societal stability and reflect a growing sentiment among observers who see a trend towards increased government control and censorship in France.

Durov's perspective is particularly noteworthy given his background in technology and his experience with regulatory challenges. He has previously faced legal battles and regulatory scrutiny, which have shaped his views on the importance of free expression and the dangers of overreaching government control.

The Telegram founder also recounted claims that French intelligence services asked him to censor pro-conservative content related to the May 2025 Romanian presidential election. Durov said that Nicolas Lerner, the head of French intelligence services, approached him at the Hôtel de Crillon and asked to censor the content on the platform, a request he says he denied.

Durov argued that laws like the European Union’s Digital Services Act are a trojan horse for censorship cloaked as consumer protection regulations and vehicles to fight misinformation or promote online safety. He warned that these laws are dangerous because they can be used against those who created them, potentially targeting those labeled conspiracy theorists today and their authors tomorrow.

Durov's warning underscores the delicate balance between maintaining public order and preserving individual freedoms. His comments serve as a reminder that restrictive policies, if not carefully managed, can have unintended consequences that undermine the very fabric of society. As France navigates its current political landscape, Durov's warnings may prompt a reevaluation of the country's approach to governance and the protection of civil liberties.