Telegram founder slams French probe as attack on tech innovation

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has sharply criticised a recent criminal investigation launched by French authorities into the social media platform X, describing it as a damaging and politically motivated move.

"At this point, any tech company can be declared a ‘criminal gang’ in France," Caliber.Az quotes Durov as saying on X.

"A decade of efforts to attract tech investment is being undone by a few bureaucrats advancing their careers and political agendas — at the expense of the French people,” he said.

To recall, French authorities have launched a politically charged criminal investigation into X, accusing the platform of manipulating its algorithm and fraudulent data extraction—allegations that X firmly denies. 

The probe, initiated by politician Eric Bothorel, threatens due process and users’ rights to privacy and free speech. 

French officials have demanded access to X’s recommendation algorithm and real-time user data for analysis by so-called experts, including activists openly hostile to X, raising serious impartiality concerns.

Additionally, X has been labelled an “organised gang,” allowing broad investigative powers such as employee device wiretapping. 

X refuses to comply, citing legal rights and fears that the investigation serves a political agenda aimed at restricting free speech. The platform remains committed to protecting user data and resisting censorship.

By Aghakazim Guliyev