Telegram Founder Accuses French Intelligence of Election Meddling
Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, alleges French intelligence sought to censor Moldovan channels ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The request, made via an intermediary during Durov's detention in Paris, targeted specific Telegram channels for removal.
Telegram complied with part of the request, removing channels violating its policies. However, Durov claims the intermediary later offered a quid pro quo: favorable treatment in his legal case in exchange for further censorship cooperation. France has denied similar past accusations but remains silent on this latest claim.