A French court has imposed a travel ban on Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, preventing him from attending the Oslo Freedom Forum, highlighting ongoing legal pressures.
Durov's Travel Ban to Norway
Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram and a dual citizen of France and the UAE, has been under judicial supervision in France since September 2024. His arrest at a French airport in August 2024 initiated these legal actions. The court denied Durov permission to travel, affecting his scheduled appearance at the Oslo Freedom Forum. He is expected to participate in discussions on digital rights via video conference.
Criticism of the Travel Ban
Thor Halvorssen of the Human Rights Foundation criticized the court's decision as an obstacle for the freedom of speech movement. Durov's inability to travel impacts his role in advocating digital rights and freedoms globally.
Legal Troubles of Telegram and Their Impact
This travel restriction is not isolated, as French authorities previously blocked other international trips. The situation stems from security and legal concerns linked to activities conducted using the Telegram platform. Experts suggest ongoing restrictions might affect Telegram's global strategy.
The travel ban on Pavel Durov emphasizes the challenges faced by tech leaders navigating legal frameworks impacting digital communication platforms.
