Telegram founder Pavel Durov has alleged that France’s intelligence chief requested he block conservative Romanian voices on the platform ahead of Romania’s national elections—an appeal he says he rejected outright, reports Reuters.
Durov made the claim late Sunday on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that during a private meeting at the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris earlier this spring, Nicolas Lerner, head of France's intelligence service, directly asked him to take action against Romanian conservative users on Telegram. “We didn’t block protesters in Russia, Belarus, or Iran. We won’t start doing it in Europe,” Durov wrote.
The revelation coincided with the surprise victory of centrist Bucharest mayor Nicușor Dan in Romania’s presidential election, defeating a far-right nationalist challenger aligned with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s style of politics. The timing of the post sparked concerns about potential foreign attempts to sway electoral outcomes within the European Union.
Before naming France directly, Durov had posted a veiled message on Telegram earlier Sunday, referencing a baguette emoji as a subtle hint. The post led to speculation, prompting a swift denial 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 an official statement.
French intelligence services have yet to respond to media inquiries regarding Durov’s claims. The Romanian government has also not issued any public comment on the matter.
Telegram has built a reputation for resisting censorship, even in authoritarian nations. Durov’s refusal to comply with alleged Western pressure underscores the platform’s continued stance on protecting speech, regardless of political orientation or geographic location.
The controversy adds to ongoing debates across Europe about freedom of expression, digital sovereignty, and the role of private tech firms in moderating political content—especially in the high-stakes context of national elections.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
