Telegram founder Pavel Durov recently raised alarms regarding the growing threat of state-imposed censorship in France's digital spaces, highlighting serious implications for society.
Durov's Concerns About Censorship
Durov noted that government attempts to expand its regulatory powers could destabilize society. He criticized the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires platforms to moderate content, labeling it as a 'Trojan horse' that could facilitate political censorship. 'They target so-called conspiracy theorists today, but tomorrow, they may be used against the very people who crafted them,' said Durov.
Durov's Rejection of French Authorities' Demands
Durov accused French authorities of pressuring him to censor political content on Telegram. He recounted a meeting with Nicolas Lerner, head of France's intelligence agency, where he was urged to filter pro-conservative messages ahead of Romania's presidential elections. Durov rejected these requests, emphasizing Telegram's policy of neutrality.
Malaysia Joins Efforts to Crack Down on Telegram
Meanwhile, in Malaysia, the communications regulator has filed a civil lawsuit against two Telegram channels, accusing them of disseminating potentially harmful material. The regulator claimed Telegram failed to address complaints regarding content moderation, leading to these unprecedented legal actions against a social media platform provider.
Durov cautioned about the serious ramifications for digital freedoms in democracies and how excessive regulation has already begun to push professionals away from countries like France.
