Telegram Founder Accuses French Intelligence of Election Meddling in Moldova

Pavel Durov, founder of encrypted messaging platform Telegram, alleges French intelligence services attempted to influence Moldova's presidential elections through political censorship. In a post to his 10 million subscribers, Durov claimed French authorities indirectly contacted him in Paris, requesting cooperation to block specific Telegram channels during the vote.

The purported intervention involved French intelligence providing a list of channels for removal, some of which reportedly violated Telegram's content policies. Durov maintains the platform remains committed to free speech, refusing to remove content solely for political reasons. This incident highlights growing concerns about state-sponsored digital interference in electoral processes.

The allegations emerge amid Durov's ongoing legal disputes with French authorities, raising questions about the intersection of technology, governance, and geopolitical influence. Telegram's stance against political censorship reinforces its position as a bastion for uncensored communication in the digital age.