Pavel Durov's Disappointment: How the French Government is Hindering the Growth of Media Privacy Through Telegram

Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, recently voiced his strong opposition to French legislation that threatens digital privacy. 

His remarks highlight growing concerns about the future of encryption and the role governments play in preserving or undermining media privacy. 

This article explores Durov’s concerns, the potential impact of such laws, and why encryption should be viewed as a fundamental right rather than a criminal tool.

Pavel Durov Criticizes French Government's Encryption Legislation

On April 21, 2025, Pavel Durov took to social media platform X to criticize the French government's ongoing attempts to introduce laws that would force messaging apps like Telegram to include encryption backdoors for law enforcement access. 

According to Durov, such legislation is a direct attack on digital privacy and could severely compromise user security.

While French lawmakers nearly passed this bill in March 2025, the National Assembly blocked it, thanks to a strong public outcry and pushback from tech privacy advocates. Durov expressed relief but warned that the fight to protect encryption is far from over.

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The Dangers of Backdoors in Messaging Apps

Encryption is the bedrock of digital privacy, ensuring that private communications are secure from prying eyes. Durov explained that backdoors in messaging platforms would effectively destroy this layer of security. 

A backdoor is essentially a loophole that allows third parties, including law enforcement and cybercriminals, to bypass encryption and gain unauthorized access to user data.

Durov argued that such backdoors would not only weaken security but could also be exploited by malicious actors, including foreign governments and hackers. The real victims, according to him, would be law-abiding citizens whose private communications could be intercepted or leaked.

Why Telegram Refuses to Compromise on Encryption

One of the key points in Durov’s statement was Telegram’s refusal to bow to governmental pressures that would violate its encryption policies. 

Telegram, according to Durov, has always stood by its principle of protecting user privacy, and the company would rather exit any market than compromise on its encryption standards.

Telegram has a long history of not sharing user messages with governments, even under legal pressure. The platform only shares limited information, such as IP addresses and phone numbers, but only when presented with a valid court order under compliance with the EU Digital Services Act.

In his statement, Durov emphasized that encryption is not a tool for criminals but rather a basic human right to safeguard personal privacy in an increasingly digital world.

The European Commission’s Stance on Encryption

Durov’s concerns extend beyond France. He pointed out that the European Commission recently proposed similar laws that would mandate backdoors for messaging apps across the EU. 

This growing trend of eroding digital privacy in favor of law enforcement concerns could spread to other countries, undermining the security of billions of users worldwide.

"The battle is far from over," Durov said. "Every day, freedoms come under attack — and every day, we must defend them."

Why Encryption Is a Fundamental Right

Durov made it clear that encryption is not just a technical feature for online communication but a fundamental right. It ensures that citizens can engage in private, secure conversations without fear of surveillance. 

The ongoing threat to encryption could lead to a chilling effect on free speech, as individuals might hesitate to communicate freely if they know their messages are vulnerable to interception.

Conclusion

• Telegram will not compromise on its encryption standards.
  
   
• Encryption is a vital tool for protecting individual freedoms and privacy.
  
   
• Governments pushing for backdoors are undermining both user security and civil liberties.
  
   
• Durov remains committed to protecting user privacy, even if it means leaving certain markets.

FAQ

Why does Pavel Durov oppose backdoors in messaging apps?

Durov believes that backdoors weaken security by creating vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals and foreign governments. He stresses that encryption is a fundamental right that ensures the privacy of law-abiding citizens.

What is a backdoor in encryption?

A backdoor is a hidden method or access point that allows third parties to bypass encryption and gain unauthorized access to encrypted data, such as private messages. These are typically introduced to give law enforcement easier access to user data, but they also pose significant security risks.

Will Telegram leave markets that require backdoors?

Yes, Durov has stated that Telegram would rather exit any market than compromise its encryption standards or violate user privacy. Telegram has always prioritized privacy and security over potential market access.