Moscow— The Russian Federation has issued a stern warning to France over what it describes as the “political persecution” of Pavel Durov, the founder of the popular messaging app Telegram. The warning comes amid reports that French authorities are investigating Durov over alleged privacy violations and failure to comply with local regulations regarding data protection and anti-terrorism measures.
In a statement released Friday, Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “serious concern” over what it claims are politically motivated actions against Durov, a Russian-born entrepreneur who has been living in exile for several years. The Ministry called on France to “respect international norms” and “cease any undue harassment” of Durov, suggesting that such actions could have consequences for diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“The continued pressure on Mr. Durov appears to be an attempt to undermine one of the few remaining platforms that values user privacy and freedom of expression,” the statement read. “We urge the French authorities to refrain from politically motivated persecution that violates fundamental rights and freedoms.”
French officials have not yet provided specific details about the investigation, but sources indicate that the inquiry relates to Telegram’s refusal to comply with certain French laws requiring messaging platforms to provide backdoor access to encrypted communications for national security purposes. Telegram, known for its strong encryption and privacy features, has been criticized by several governments for its perceived role in enabling secure communication for activists, journalists, and, in some cases, criminal organizations.
A French government spokesperson stated, “Our focus is on ensuring the security of our citizens and the integrity of our data protection laws. Any actions taken in this regard are in accordance with our legal framework and are not directed at any individual personally.”
Pavel Durov, who founded Telegram in 2013, has long positioned the platform as a bastion of privacy and free speech, often clashing with governments over demands for user data. In a recent statement, Durov reaffirmed his commitment to protecting user privacy, stating that Telegram would not compromise on its encryption policies, regardless of external pressure.
“We remain committed to providing a secure messaging service for people around the world,” Durov said. “Privacy is not a crime; it is a fundamental human right, and we will continue to defend it vigorously.”
Durov, who left Russia in 2014 after refusing to hand over user data to Russian authorities, has since operated Telegram from various locations, maintaining that the app’s decentralized structure and strong encryption make it resistant to government surveillance.
The Russian government’s warning to France marks a rare direct intervention on behalf of Durov, who has often been at odds with the Kremlin. Analysts suggest that Russia’s support may be driven by broader geopolitical motives, including concerns over Western influence in cyberspace and the desire to protect Russian entrepreneurs abroad.
The warning has elicited mixed reactions on the international stage. While some observers see it as a legitimate defense of an entrepreneur facing undue scrutiny, others view it as an opportunistic move by Moscow to assert itself in global technology debates.
Meanwhile, human rights organizations have voiced concerns about the implications of the investigation on freedom of expression. “We are closely monitoring the situation and urge French authorities to ensure that any legal action is based solely on legitimate grounds and not used as a tool to stifle dissent or target individuals advocating for privacy rights,” said a spokesperson for Amnesty International.
The escalating tensions between Russia and France over the Durov case underscore the growing complexities of regulating digital platforms in a world where privacy, security, and political interests often collide. As the situation unfolds, the international community will be watching closely to see how both countries navigate this delicate diplomatic issue.
For now, Telegram continues to operate as usual, with no indication that the investigation will impact its service. However, the case highlights the ongoing challenges facing tech entrepreneurs who must balance the demands of governments with their commitment to user privacy.