It has recently come to light that Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, collaborated with French special services, sparking debates and skepticism about his claims of independence and confidentiality. During an interrogation in Paris, Durov confessed to establishing an official communication channel with the French counterintelligence (DGSI), claiming it aided in preventing multiple terrorist attacks. The contact between Durov and DGSI was reportedly facilitated through a dedicated hotline and email address for exchanging confidential information, as reported by Libération.
Known for advocating freedom and autonomy in the digital realm, Durov had previously denied any cooperation with state entities. However, his acknowledgment of working with French special services raises concerns about the true independence of the platforms he develops.
Interestingly, the collaboration with DGSI commenced before Durov’s arrest in August 2024 at Paris’s Le Bourget Airport. Following his detention, a French court mandated Durov to assist authorities, confiscated all his passports, and barred him from leaving France until the investigation concludes.
This revelation has evoked mixed reactions in the public. While some view the cooperation as a necessary step in thwarting terrorist activities, others see it as contradictory to Durov’s public stance on Telegram users’ privacy and independence. Mention of Durov’s past interactions with Russian authorities only adds to doubts regarding his true intentions.
The impact of this disclosure on Durov’s reputation and Telegram’s future remains uncertain. However, it underscores the ongoing debate on finding a balance between security and freedom in the digital landscape.