Telegram Founder Slams ‘Misinformation’ as France Quietly Starts Playing by EU Rules

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has broken his silence to confront false narratives circulating in the French media. In a strongly worded post on X, the billionaire founder condemned claims that Telegram only began complying with EU digital laws after his August 2024 arrest, calling the reports “misinformation.” Instead, he claims it was French law enforcement that only recently adopted proper EU-compliant procedures.

Durov Denies Arrest Was Trigger for Telegram EU Compliance

Durov’s comments come in response to a widely cited French report suggesting that his arrest prompted Telegram’s compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA). The report insinuated that Telegram’s cooperation began only after Durov was briefly detained under serious charges—including complicity in child exploitation and failure to moderate criminal activity on the platform.

The entrepreneur clarified that Telegram’s legal contact procedures, as outlined by the DSA, have been publicly available for years. He said police authorities could have found the process simply by searching “telegram eu police” on Google or through the app itself—well before any arrest or legal controversy.

French Authorities Only Recently Started Following EU Law

Turning the criticism around, Durov accused French police of only recently beginning to properly follow the EU’s legal process. He claimed that law enforcement only began submitting requests via the DSA-mandated portal after his high-profile arrest. “After last August, it was the French police that finally started to ‘comply with European rules’ — by sending their requests to Telegram in the legal way described by the EU’s Digital Services Act.”

This procedural shift has led to successful legal cooperation, with French courts now receiving user data as part of ongoing criminal investigations. Durov emphasized that Telegram is now fulfilling legal requests with greater efficacy not because of any change within Telegram, but because law enforcement finally used the proper channels.

A High-Profile Case and a Broader Debate

Durov’s arrest in France in August 2024 sparked global headlines. While he was released under judicial supervision, the incident fueled a larger debate about the role of tech platforms in moderating illicit content.  Durov maintained a calm and assertive stance despite the serious charges, stating: “We spend millions of dollars every year to ensure our compliance with laws across the globe.” 

Conclusion: Misinformation and Media Accountability

Durov ended his statement with a note of diplomacy, saying he still respects France and its police force, but felt obligated to correct what he described as an inaccurate and misleading public narrative. His remarks underline a critical issue: in a world where digital regulation is rapidly evolving, the burden of truth often falls on those with the loudest voice—something Durov, and Telegram, are no longer willing to surrender without a fight.

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