Telegram Founder Warns France Faces Collapse Due to Censorship Policies

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, has issued a stark warning about the potential societal collapse in France. During an interview, Durov expressed his disappointment with the current political trajectory of the country, citing increasing censorship and regulatory policies as major concerns. He warned that if France continues down this path, it risks experiencing extreme changes and a potential collapse. Durov's comments highlight the broader implications of political decisions on societal stability and the growing tension between governments and tech companies over issues of free speech and censorship.

Durov's warning comes at a time when France is grappling with various social and political challenges. He argued that the current policies are not only weakening the country but also driving away talent to other jurisdictions like Dubai. Durov's concerns are particularly noteworthy given his background as a tech entrepreneur and his experience with censorship issues. Telegram, the messaging app he founded, has often been at the center of debates about free speech and government regulation. Durov's experience with Telegram has given him a unique perspective on these issues, and his warning about France's political trajectory is a reminder of the potential consequences of restrictive policies.

In early June, Durov appeared for an interview with Tucker Carlson, continuing his media campaign following his August 2024 arrest in France. The arrest drew widespread condemnation from the crypto community, civil rights activists, and human rights foundations, which continue to monitor the case of Durov and its implications for free speech, self-expression, and political opinion in the digital age. Durov recounted claims that French intelligence services asked him to censor pro-conservative content related to the May 2025 Romanian presidential election. He 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. Today, they target those labeled conspiracy theorists. Tomorrow, they may target their authors. Durov's warning serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of balancing security and freedom as France continues to navigate its social and political challenges.