France Lifts Travel Ban on Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Amid Ongoing Criminal Probe
French authorities have removed all travel restrictions on Pavel Durov, founder of encrypted messaging platform Telegram, as investigations continue into alleged criminal activities on the service. The MOVE follows Durov's compliance with judicial requirements during the probe.
The case highlights escalating regulatory pressure on tech executives across the EU, particularly under the new Digital Services Act regime. Telegram faces accusations of facilitating illegal trading, distribution of abusive content, and non-cooperation with law enforcement.
Durov, initially subjected to strict reporting requirements in France, gained limited travel privileges last year before this week's full lifting of restrictions. The entrepreneur may now reside in Telegram's UAE headquarters and travel freely while French investigators continue their work.
