Telegram CEO Faces Legal Trouble Amid Censorship Row

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov alleged that French intelligence chief Nicolas Lerner asked him to block conservative voices on Telegram ahead of Romania's presidential election, a request he claims to have rejected to uphold freedom of speech. Durov emphasized Telegram's political neutrality and referenced similar refusals in other countries. French authorities, including the foreign ministry and intelligence services, denied the accusations and called for respect for Romanian democracy. The controversy coincided with Durov facing multiple criminal charges in France and restrictions on his ability to leave the country without permission. The Romanian election, in which centrist Nicusor Dan defeated far-right nationalist George Simion, was already under scrutiny for possible foreign interference. The episode underscores ongoing tensions between governments and digital platforms over content moderation and political influence.