#DigitalRights Telegram CEO Pavel Durov
$BTC just pulled the curtain back on how censorship really works in Europe.
In his own words, shared today, Durov explained that the EU sets impossible compliance rules—not to improve platforms, but to punish those that refuse to quietly censor speech. According to him, the same tactic was used in France: launch weak criminal cases, then offer “help” if Telegram agreed to silence certain voices in Romania and Moldova.
This isn’t speculation. Durov gave dates, locations, and officials.
In spring 2025, Nicolas Lerner, head of France’s DGSE intelligence agency, allegedly asked Durov to ban conservative Romanian channels before elections. The meeting reportedly took place at the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris.
Durov
$BNB said no.
Later, in September 2024, while Durov
$XRP was detained in Paris facing 12 criminal charges, French intelligence allegedly offered to speak favorably to the presiding judge—on one condition: censor Moldovan Telegram channels ahead of elections.
Durov’s conclusion was blunt. Either French intelligence interfered in the judicial process, or they exploited his legal troubles to influence Eastern European politics. Neither option is acceptable.
Telegram reviewed the first list of channels and removed those that genuinely violated platform rules. Then came a second list.
This time, nearly all channels were legitimate. Their only “offense”? Political views disliked by French and Moldovan authorities.
Telegram refused again.
France has denied the allegations, calling them unfounded—while simultaneously admitting they met Durov multiple times.
And here’s the timing that matters: this statement arrives just 24 hours after Brussels fined X (formerly Twitter) €120 million.
Two platforms. Two CEOs. Same accusations.
The pattern is clear:
Unworkable regulations.
Legal pressure.
Backroom deals for compliance.
Punishment for resistance.
This isn’t regulation.
This is leverage, dressed up as law.
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