Encryption Under Fire: Global Surveillance Laws Spark Privacy Crisis

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has sounded an urgent alarm over global efforts to erode digital privacy, warning that "a dark, dystopian world is approaching" as governments introduce measures he deems incompatible with free internet. In a series of public statements and legal battles, Durov has criticized legislation in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Australia, arguing that these policies prioritize surveillance over civil liberties and threaten the foundational principles of encryption and user privacy.

The EU's proposed Chat Control law, formally known as the Child Sexual Abuse Regulation (CSAR), has emerged as a focal point of Durov's concerns. The regulation would require messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram to scan all messages, photos, and videos for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) before encryption occurs. Critics, including over 500 cryptographers and security experts, argue that such client-side scanning creates unavoidable backdoors, compromising encryption's integrity and exposing users to surveillance and cyberattacks. The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) has raised similar concerns, questioning compliance with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. As of late 2025, 19 of 27 EU member states support the law, with Germany's stance remaining pivotal ahead of a critical Council vote in October.

Parallel debates are unfolding in the UK and Australia. The UK's Digital ID scheme, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, mandates government-issued digital identities for employment and access to public services. Over 1.6 million citizens have signed a petition opposing the plan, citing privacy risks and potential misuse of stored biometric data. Meanwhile, Australia's online age verification system, set to restrict social media access for under-16s, has drawn comparisons to the UK's approach, with critics warning of data exploitation and exclusion of marginalized groups. These measures, Durov argues, represent a broader trend of governments leveraging "well-meaning" justifications-such as child protection or election integrity-to normalize invasive surveillance.

The implications for encryption extend beyond messaging apps. The EU's Chat Control law could indirectly threaten cryptocurrency privacy, as end-to-end encryption underpins secure transactions and wallet protections. Privacy-focused cryptocurrencies like Monero face separate EU restrictions starting in 2027, with bans on anonymity tools and mandatory identity verification for transactions over €1,000. Durov has highlighted how weakening encryption creates vulnerabilities for both personal communications and financial systems, a stance echoed by privacy advocates who warn that such policies could spur users toward decentralized alternatives while simultaneously criminalizing them.

Durov's legal challenges, including his recent arrest and detention in France, underscore the friction between his platform and regulatory authorities. French officials have accused Telegram of facilitating criminal activities, but Durov maintains that the platform has never disclosed private messages, even in response to court orders. His arrest has intensified scrutiny of the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), which critics argue empowers governments to suppress dissent under the guise of combating misinformation. Durov has vowed to resist compliance with laws he views as authoritarian, stating that Telegram would withdraw from markets that compromise its privacy-first principles.

Public opposition to these measures is mounting. Over 900,000 UK residents have signed anti-digital ID petitions, while advocacy groups like Fight Chat Control mobilize citizens to pressure lawmakers. The European Parliament, which previously rejected mass surveillance in 2023, remains a critical counterweight to the Council's pro-surveillance agenda. Meanwhile, tech companies like Signal have hinted at potential exits from the EU if Chat Control is enacted, citing irreconcilable conflicts with encryption.

As the October 2025 EU Council vote looms, the debate over privacy versus security has crystallized into a defining issue for digital rights. Durov's warnings reflect a growing consensus among experts that surveillance measures, even when framed as safety tools, risk eroding the very freedoms they claim to protect. The outcome of these legislative battles may set a global precedent, shaping the future of encryption, decentralized technologies, and the balance between state authority and individual privacy.

Source: [1] Cointelegraph (https://cointelegraph.com/news/telegram-pavel-durov-warns-global-privacy-threats-will-get-worse)

[2] edri.org (https://edri.org/our-work/chat-control-what-is-actually-going-on/)

[3] BraveNewCoin (https://bravenewcoin.com/insights/eus-chat-control-law-threatens-encryption-as-crypto-privacy-faces-new-restrictions)

[4] European Parliament (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-003249_EN.html)

[5] BBC (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyl3lzzed2o)

[6] Al Jazeera (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/29/why-is-the-uk-introducing-digital-ids-and-why-are-they-so-controversial)

[7] Cointelegraph (https://cointelegraph.com/learn/articles/eu-chat-control-explained)