Telegram founder Durov slams French authorities over internet regulation

Pavel Durov, the founder of the popular messaging platform Telegram, has sharply criticised French bureaucrats for hindering freedom of speech and technological advancement in France.

In a post on the social media platform X, Durov condemned the French authorities’ approach to regulating internet companies, stating that French bureaucrats are waging a crusade against free speech and tech progress.” He warned that relying on criminal investigations instead of clear and consistent regulatory frameworks risks deterring investment and could severely damage the country’s economic growth for decades.

French bureaucrats are waging a crusade against free speech and tech progress. Using criminal probes instead of clear rules to regulate internet companies will scare off investment and damage the country’s economic growth for decades. https://t.co/24DI3oB8Uv

— Pavel Durov (@durov) July 12, 2025

Durov’s statement came in response to the recent launch of a criminal investigation in France against the social network X, owned by American billionaire and entrepreneur Elon Musk. The probe has raised concerns about the French government’s stance on digital platforms and the broader implications for innovation and free expression.

By Vugar Khalilov